Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Program Update

Tips for Caring for Your Backyard Citrus Tree

Though your citrus tree may not be producing a lot of fruit during the summer months, it’s still important to check your citrus tree for the Asian citrus psyllid, which can carry a deadly and incurable citrus tree disease called Huanglongbing. HLB has already been found in urban areas of Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties, and it is a threat to California’s iconic citrus.

Follow these steps while tending to your citrus tree:

• Inspect your tree for the Asian citrus psyllid. The pest is most noticeable when new leaves are growing on the tips of the branches.
  • Adult Asian citrus psyllids are small, brown pests that feed on citrus leaves with their body at a 45-degree angle.
  • Young Asian citrus psyllids, called nymphs, produce a white, waxy substance to direct honeydew away from their bodies.
• If you think you have found the Asian citrus psyllid, report your findings to the California Department of Food and Agriculture at 800-491-1899.
• Don’t move citrus fruit or plant materials off of your property, as this may help the Asian citrus psyllid spread.
• Ask your local nursery about treatment options to help protect your trees from the Asian citrus psyllid.

For photos of the Asian citrus psyllid and HLB symptoms, click here to view the photos.