Photo by Apurba Barman
Populations of Asian citrus psyllids (ACP) have been found in residential and commercial citrus in Georgia’s Lowndes and Wayne counties during the past two months. ACP spread huanglongbing (HLB) disease. In several places where ACP were found, HLB-infected trees were identified nearby.
University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (UGA CAES) entomologist Apurba Barman provided details about the finds on the UGA Citrus Blog.
“This disease (HLB) has reduced Florida’s citrus production by nearly 90% since it was first identified in 2005 … These recent finds suggest that the situation here in Georgia may be similar to the initial stages of the epidemic in Florida, which began after ACP was first detected in that state in 1998,” stated Barman. “Unfortunately, due to the tendency of disease symptoms to show up only after trees have been infected for months to years, it is likely that additional trees may be in the early stages of infection in these areas.”
In addition to these recent finds of ACP infestations in Wayne County (two commercial groves) and Lowndes County (a single homeowner/residential setting), ACP populations were also found within two commercial citrus groves in Pierce County during late 2023 and 2024, reported Barman.
“Until these recent finds, it had been hoped that the significantly cooler winter temperatures experienced in Georgia … would limit ACP survival and establishment in Georgia’s cold-hardy citrus production region,” Barman said. “If we want to keep our citrus industry growing, we must pledge to keep the insect (ACP) and HLB at bay.
“I believe that we are at the very initial phase of ACP spread, and it is still possible to keep this insect under control if decisive actions are taken immediately … Both monitoring (scouting) for ACP and control of this insect pest through insecticides will be essential.”
According to Barman, regularly using yellow sticky cards and visual inspections of the trees are key to determining the presence of ACP.
“New leaves (flushes) in citrus trees are a preferred site for ACP reproduction and feeding and are a good starting place to look for this insect,” advised Barman. “In commercial citrus groves, it is best to place at least six to eight cards in total, especially on the edges of each block, since ACP activity is often first detected on the border row trees.”
Barman recommends checking the cards for ACP and replacing them at least every two weeks.
“If you find ACP on sticky cards or see them on your trees, please get in touch with your respective UGA county Extension agent to confirm and arrange testing of these insects for the presence of HLB-causing bacteria,” said Barman. “Controlling this insect via insecticides is critical to reduce or prevent the spread of HLB disease.”
Get more information here, including what insecticides to use against ACP.
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