U.S. Delegation Returns from Mexico with Agreements on Collaborative Approach to Combat Citrus Menace

AUBURN, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With the dangerous Asian citrus psyllid threatening the California and Mexico citrus industries, a U.S. delegation of industry leaders is reaching out to their counterparts south of the border.

The delegation returned from two days of meetings this week feeling encouraged the two countries will work together on approaches to minimize the impact the Asian citrus psyllid and the disease it can carry, said Ted Batkin, president of the California Citrus Research Board.

“We’re facing a death sentence for citrus trees in California, and the same is true for Mexico,” he said. “We have a stronger chance of weakening the threat by working together on both sides of the border.”

The Asian citrus psyllid – an aphid-like insect that feeds on the leaves of citrus trees and other citrus-like plants – can be a carrier of the fatal citrus tree disease, Huanglongbing, also known as HLB and citrus greening disease. The pest and the disease have already caused devastation in Asia, India, parts of the Middle East, and South and Central America. The pest has been found domestically in Hawaii, Texas, Louisiana and Florida. In Florida, the psyllid and HLB are ravaging the citrus industry, destroying thousands of acres of trees and putting the state’s $9.3 billion citrus industry at risk. Samples of the psyllids have been found in several parts of San Diego County – following tests, none have been confirmed carriers of the citrus greening disease.

Huanglongbing, or citrus greening disease, is a bacterial plant disease that – while not harmful to human health – destroys production, appearance and value of citrus trees, and the taste of their fruit and juice. Once a tree is infected with the disease, there is no cure and the tree will eventually die.

“We went to Mexico to establish a dialogue with the Mexican citrus industry, learn more about their plans and determine how we could work together to protect our industries,” said James (Jim) R. Cranney Jr., president, California Citrus Quality Council. “We found the Mexican industry is alarmed by the threat of HLB and they are anxious to collaborate on joint efforts that will benefit both of our industries.”

Cranney traveled to Mexico City, Mexico, along with representatives from the California and Texas citrus industries including Kathy Blyskal, Sunkist Growers Inc., Ontario, Calif.; Doug Carmen, Paramount Citrus Association, Delano, Calif.; Joel Nelsen, California Citrus Mutual, Exeter, Calif.; Ray Prewett, Texas Citrus Mutual, Mission, Texas; Jim Reynolds, Reynolds & Associates, Fort Collins, Colo.; Jim Sebesta, Sunkist Growers Inc., Lindsay, Calif.; and Kevin Severns, Orange Cove/Sanger Citrus Association, Orange Cove, Calif.

Outcomes from the meetings include:

• The Mexican industry recognizes HLB is a major threat, and a bilateral dialogue is an important part of trying to prevent establishment of HLB.
• The U.S. industry agreed to share research, its action plan and other scientific findings with the Mexican citrus industry and assist them in communicating concerns regarding the potential introduction of HLB into Mexico from Florida.
• Both parties agreed to develop a joint HLB action plan, including a safeguarding program along the border to protect California, Texas and Arizona.
• Both industries agreed to meet at an international HLB conference this December in Orlando, Fla. to continue their collaborative effort.

“Our first priority in meeting with the Mexican industry was to seek their support for joint action to prevent the introduction of HLB and to eliminate Asian citrus psyllid populations along the border, and I think we accomplished that,” said Joel Nelsen, president, California Citrus Mutual.

The Citrus Research Board as well as government regulators have been holding a series of industry briefings since early July, when the psyllid was spotted in Mexico four miles from the U.S. border. In addition, the Citrus Research Board is urging consumers to visually inspect their citrus plants for the Asian citrus psyllid. The board developed a consumer-oriented Web site – CaliforniaCitrusThreat.org – that reminds consumers to inspect for the psyllid monthly or whenever watering, spraying, pruning or tending trees and especially during times of active growth. It also offers photos and tips for visual inspection for the pest.

“We – industry, consumers, growers and regulators alike – must be vigilant in protecting the future of California’s citrus trees,” Batkin said.

Visit CaliforniaCitrusThreat.org for tips on how to identify the Asian citrus psyllid and to find your local Agricultural Commissioner’s office. Alternatively, consumers can contact the California Department of Food and Agriculture hotline at 800/491-1899.

CCQC's mission is to represent the California citrus industry in response to problems which arise in state, national, or international arenas and affect the industry generally in areas of quarantine matters, technical assistance, international compliance, or other related issues. CCQC works jointly with citrus industry organizations, growers and government agencies to prevent the introduction of exotic pests into California, which could harm citrus producers and restrict export opportunities.