Lemons are among fruits protected by citrus quarantine laws in Arizona.
Growing citrus is an important industry in Arizona. In 1995, there were 33,000 acres planted in citrus. As of August 2010, the state was second in the nation in lemon production and third in tangerines. It is also among the top ten states growing oranges and grapefruit. Protection of these crops against destructive insects or diseases is vital to the industry. Recent restrictions prevent transport of citrus trees outside of one area of Yuma County. Does this Spark an idea?
Existing Law
Since November 2009, there have been restrictions against moving citrus trees or other host plants for the insect called the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) outside of a portion of Yuma County. The psyllid was discovered for the first time in Arizona in October 2009 near San Luis in Yuma County. It spreads a devastating disease called citrus greening, Huanglongbing (HLB) or yellow dragon disease, which kills trees.
Restrictions
The quarantined part of Yuma County is in the extreme southwestern corner right next to California. Citrus plants, plant parts, budwood or cuttings from citrus trees can not be transported outside of this area to any unquarantined areas that grow citrus. Citrus fruit can be transported to unquarantined areas only if it has been cleaned and processed at a certified citrus packing plant and inspected.
Unquarantined Areas
Unquarantined areas include Australia, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands and areas of Arizona, California and South Carolina.
Asian Citrus Psyllid
The Asian citrus psyllid is native to southeastern Asia, the original home of citrus. The insect has since spread to other areas where citrus plants have been introduced. It is about the size of a pinhead and feeds on the sap of all kinds of citrus. It is related to aphids and whiteflies. When the insect feeds on an infected plant, the bacteria that cause the disease stay in the salivary glands and hemolymph (blood) of the psyllid for the rest of the insect's life. The bacteria are passed to healthy plants during subsequent feeding of the insect carrier.
Citrus Greening Disease
Once a tree has the bacteria, there is no cure. It should be destroyed as quickly as possible so it doesn't spread the disease to more psyllids. The disease has ruined citrus areas in Africa, Asia, Arabia and Brazil. Disease-bearing psyllids have been found in the United States. Quarantines also exist in Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, and parts of Louisiana, California and South Carolina.
Outlook
The United States Department of Agriculture is taking a zero tolerance attitude to the potential spreading of Asian citrus psyllids once they have been detected. This is to protect uninfected citrus growing areas from becoming infested and to prevent disease within the quarantined areas. In addition to prohibiting transport of citrus plants and plant materials, authorities ask the public to become familiar with the signs of the presence of psyllids and of citrus greening disease and report any suspected cases to the proper authorities.
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