Citrus Destroying Insect Still Plagues Florida
Spreading Disease
There is citrus destroying insects which are responsible for spreading a plant disease that has decimated crops in Brazil and Florida. Sadly, this citrus destroying insect threatens the industry in California. And for the first time, damage to citrus in Marin County occurred.
Captured
Agriculturist found a single Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) captured in a Marin County e trap in Novato on November 22.
Size
The insect originated in Asia. In the adult stage, it is about one-eighth of an inch long. Similarly, it’s close in size to the aphid and has a mottled brown body.
Moreover, young ACPs are yellowish orange. They produce a white waxy substance found on new plant growth.
Spreads
This insect spread the deadly plant disease Huanglongbing, better known as citrus greening. There is no cure for this condition. As a result, is considered the most severe threat to citrus trees worldwide.
Florida Citrus
Florida’s orange production dropped to 68.8 million boxes in the 2016-2017 growing season. Unhappily, the production dropped from 149.8 million boxes in the 2004-2005 growing season. As a result, the drop in output was primarily due to the disease. Orange production in Brazil has also been affected by this citrus destroying insect.
“The Asian citrus psyllid has put at risk the viability of the citrus industry in California, and we must take steps to protect it,” said Marin Agricultural Commissioner Stacy Carlsen in a statement.