The vector of citrus greening disease remains in low numbers in Georgia. University of Georgia (UGA) researchers are hoping the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) stays that way.
Led by UGA entomologist Apurba Barman, UGA Extension is monitoring for the insect in hopes of limiting its migration throughout South Georgia.
“The good thing is, so far, we’ve found ACP in only four counties in commercial groves,” Barman said. “All these counties are coastal or border to Florida. We know the psyllids are there. The psyllids can establish and they can spread.
“We are putting out a lot of traps. This year, in 16 counties we put out traps with the county agents, and they’re monitoring those commercial groves using sticky cards. Going forward, we’re going to expand to more counties and more fields within a county.”
Barman discussed the ACP during the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference in Savannah, Georgia, on Jan. 8.
According to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, the ACP was first detected in Florida in 1998. It vectors the pathogen that causes citrus greening disease, which has devastated Florida citrus production for more than two decades. UGA Extension remains vigilant in ensuring that what occurred in Florida does not happen to Georgia’s blossoming citrus industry.
“The monitoring and sampling for ACP is going to be the key. We just need to keep watching them,” Barman said. “You’re not going to see (just) one … The insect cannot be just by itself. It’s going to have a family, and it’s going to make babies. It will establish populations.
“I think it’s better to be alarmed than be complacent. I would rather be alarmed than do nothing.”
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