Asian Citrus Psyllid and Huanlongbing (Citrus Greening)

The psyllid (ACP) is a major pest that spreads a disease called Huanlongbing that kills citrus trees. It has decimated the citrus industry in Florida and Texas. In California new outbreaks have been occurring every few months, leading to more quarantines and treatment areas. The state has no sanctioned organic controls for ACP in quarantined areas and regulators are not prioritizing organic alternatives. Meanwhile many organic growers in Florida and Texas are achieving better control than their conventional counterparts through tree nutrition, cultural methods, careful monitoring and timely treatments. An OTA task force is bringing awareness to organic regulators and APHIS, the federal agency regulating quarantines and eradications. This session will explore successful organic options.

Presenters:

Laura Batcha, Organic Trade Association (OTA), Brattleboro, VT;
Jeffery Steen, Ceres Management Group LLC, member of the Citrus Research Board, Manhattan Beach, CA;
TBA.