Country: United States

Title: First detection of Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri in Arizona and new detection sites in California

Contact:
Patrick Gomes, National Coordinator, Citrus Health Response Program, (919) 855-7313

Report:

On October 27, 2009, the Arizona Department of Agriculture (ADA) detected a single adult Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) on a yellow panel trap suspended from a residential citrus tree in the town of San Luis, located in Yuma County, Arizona. This detection is the first record of ACP in Arizona. Subsequent surveys by inspectors with ADA and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) revealed additional ACP adults on three nearby residential properties. Specimens found to date have tested negative for the presence of citrus greening.

On November 5, 2009, the State of Arizona enacted a State Interior Quarantine for a portion of Yuma County, restricting the movement of regulated ACP-host articles. In response to these finds, APHIS is issuing a revised Federal Order paralleling the State’s actions, expanding the ACP-quarantine area to include a portion of Yuma County, Arizona. In addition, ACP has been detected in new areas of California, resulting in the expansion of the quarantine area to include all of Imperial County, along with portions of Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties. APHIS continues to work closely with State officials in both Arizona and California to further delimit the presence of ACP while assessing what other measures may be appropriate in response to these new finds.

Under IPPC Standards, Diaphorina citri is considered to be a pest that is present, only in some areas and subject to official control to limit its spread in the United States.

Posted Date: Dec. 16, 2009, 9 a.m.