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.