HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 2010 0505 CC REG ITEM 09A ITEM 9.A.
CITY OF Kd00RFARK,CALIFORNIA
City Council Meeting
Of 5-5-ao�0
ACTION:
MOORPARK CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: John Brand, Senior Management Analyst 1
DATE: April 27, 2010 (CC Meeting of 05/05/2010) J
SUBJECT: Consider Farm Bureau Briefing on Asian Citrus Psyllid Threat
BACKGROUND
The Council is being asked to hear a presentation by John Krist, Chief Executive Officer
of the Farm Bureau of Ventura County. The Ventura County citrus industry, which
accounts for fully a quarter of the economic activity generated by local agriculture, may
face an unprecedented threat from a bacterial disease and the insect that spreads it.
The Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) is an invasive insect pest that can transmit a bacterial
disease to citrus trees. Known as Huanglongbing (HLB), the disease ruins the taste
and appearance of citrus fruit, and eventually kills infected trees. There is no treatment
or cure, and all commercially valuable varieties of citrus are vulnerable. If ACP and HLB
reach Ventura County, and cannot be eradicated or contained, it is likely that the county
will cease to be a significant producer of citrus crops within a decade.
The Farm Bureau has convened a task force to help Ventura County prepare effectively
for arrival of the pest and the actions that must follow if we are to remain a citrus-
producing region.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Hear the presentation.
Attachment: No More California Citrus?
1
No e w
more
hat's what is at stake if the Asian citrus psyllid and the disease it carries establishes here!
With your help it can be stopped - before it's too late.
The Dangerous Pest: Asian citrus psyllid (ACP)
• A small insect, about the size of an aphid.
Ufa • Feeds on leaves and stems of citrus and close
J y,E relatives of citrus.
F fi • Eggs are laid on young "flush growth" of citrus,
r where small yellowish orange nymphs (larvae)
feed and develop.
Actual Size • The psyllid is a carrier of the deadly plant
disease, Huanglongbing.
• This insect has spread from Mexico into
southern California.
• Limiting the spread of the psyllid will limit
the spread of the disease.
The Disease: Huanglongbing (HLB)
• Also called greening disease and yellow shoot
disease.
Causes irregular yellowing of leaves.
• Produces bitter, inedible, deformed fruit.
., It kills citrus trees.
- _ This disease has not yet been found in
'"°° California, but it is infecting citrus in nearby
states and in Mexico.
The Solution: We All Play a Critical Role
• Be prepared —learn to recognize the pest and
disease and teach others what you know.
Inspect your citrus trees each month.
— _ -- Be sure to plant only California-grown certified
trees that are known to be free of disease.
• Remind everyone that it is illegal to bring
citrus trees or cuttings into California from
�. other states or countries because they can
carry the insect or be infected with HLB.
If you live in a quarantine area, help prevent
4 ,; the spread of psyllids to other areas.
• Don't move plants out of the quarantined
area that may harbor the psyllid.
• Dry out plant clippings for two weeks before
putting them in green waste recycle bins or
double-bag clippings.
• If you suspect your tree has the psyllid or
disease, act fast! Call your County
EAR Agricultural Commissioner or the CDFA
hotline at 800-491-1899.
�v r
To learn about the Asian citrus psyllid and HLB disease, visit
r h .�
- ,,- org
Printed materials in English, Spanish, Hmong and Chinese
are downloadable from this Web site.
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