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HLB was recently confirmed for the first time in Arizona, first in an Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) and then in another ACP and citrus plant tissue. The Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) reported the details.
On Dec. 16, 2024, agriculture inspectors collected ACP and plant tissue samples from a residential citrus tree in Nogales. The collections were made during a routine monitoring exercise by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS). The samples were sent for HLB testing by a USDA laboratory. The initial results determined the plant tissue sample was negative for HLB, but the psyllid sample was found to be suspect HLB. The insect sample was then sent to the confirmatory laboratory in Maryland where it was confirmed positive for HLB on Jan. 6.
During follow-up monitoring around the initial detection site, an additional ACP and a citrus plant tissue sample were confirmed positive for HLB.
The ACP was first discovered in Arizona in 2008.
These recent collection sites are near the southern border with Mexico and more than 180 miles from any production citrus in the state. With the sparse desert landscape between Nogales and any production citrus, the risk for spread to commercial citrus is minimal at this time.
The AZDA is working collaboratively with USDA APHIS, which will continue to survey in Santa Cruz County to determine the extent of the infestation and determine appropriate quarantine and mitigation measures.
The AZDA and USDA will be in contact with state and local officials and local communities to provide information to help reduce the further spread of the disease. This may include not moving citrus plants, citrus yard waste and home-picked citrus fruit.
Commercially packed citrus fruit is not affected by this detection as long as there is no leaf material accompanying the fruit.
More information on HLB and ACP are available from USDA APHIS here.
Source: AZDA
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