New App To Prevent HLB Spread in CA Citrus

By Growing Produce Staff|April 10, 2012

A new iPhone application is available from USDA that will help homeowners identify and report possible new citrus pests and diseases. The free application, called “Save Our Citrus” is currently only available at the iTunes Application store. USDA is currently in the process of building an app platform compatible with Android smart phones which should be released soon.

The app is part of an effort by USDA and the citrus industry to work with residential citrus tree owners to combat the spread of the invasive insect Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) and the deadly citrus disease it carries, Huanglongbing (HLB). Populations of ACP are prevalent in Southern California and the first case of HLB was found in Hacienda Heights, CA, on March 30.

Once the app is downloaded the resident can set up a profile complete with GPS coordinates and up load pictures of their own citrus trees and compare them to infected trees. They can also report suspicious insects and tree symptoms to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). There is also a link to the Save Our Citrus website and YouTube channel to get more information.

California Citrus Mutual President Joel Nelsen released the following statement:
“A significant portion of Southern California homeowners have back yard citrus trees and their support and cooperation is critical to successfully controlling and preventing the spread of ACP and HLB into commercial citrus groves. Citrus growers alone invest $1 million a year in public outreach efforts to educated homeowners about the severity of HLB. Communication with homeowners has been a top priority of CDFA, USDA, and industry stakeholders and this application is an excellent tool to help homeowners stay informed and report potential damage.”

“We are very excited about the outreach potential this application has. Every informed citrus tree owner is a huge step to preventing HLB from devastating the California citrus industry as it has in Brazil, Mexico, and Florida. Homeowners have really demonstrated an interest in protecting their citrus trees from this disease. More than 100 homeowners attended CDFA’s information session in the San Gabriel Valley last week following the discovery of HLB in Hacienda Heights. This is a clear indication that homeowners are truly a vested partner in this effort. We are confident that homeowners will be very responsive to this new application and will find it very helpful in identifying and reporting HLB symptoms in their trees.”