The citrus and pear industries are facing growing threats from two major psyllid pests: Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) and pear psylla. These small but destructive insects not only harm trees through feeding damage but also act as vectors for devastating diseases. For growers across citrus and pear-producing regions, understanding the risks and management strategies is crucial for maintaining healthy orchards and sustainable yields.
Understanding the Psyllid Threat
Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP)
ACP poses a severe risk to citrus orchards by spreading Huanglongbing (HLB)—a bacterial disease that disrupts the nutrient flow, leading to misshapen, bitter fruit and eventual tree death1. With no cure for HLB, early detection and prevention are essential. Additionally, ACP infestations cause:
- Leaf Curling & Blackened Foliage – Feeding damage leads to distorted, unhealthy leaves.2
- Reduced Fruit Yield – Affected trees produce lower-quality and fewer marketable fruits.2
- HLB Transmission – ACP serves as a vector for the devastating citrus greening disease.2
- Economic Threat – The infestation puts the multibillion-dollar citrus industry at significant risk.3
Pear Psylla
Pear psylla is just as damaging to pear orchards, causing multiple issues:
- Fruit Russeting & Yield Loss – Pear psylla honeydew secretions cause russet and promote the growth of sooty mold, both leading to the downgrading of fruit impacting pricing for fresh and processed markets.3,4
- Pear Decline – Psylla act as a vector for the mycoplasma disease-causing pathogen associated with pear decline, which can lead to reduced vigor, crop loss, and tree death through root starvation as the disease limits nutrient movement.3,4
- Psylla Shock – Feeding and toxic saliva transfer from heavy infestations can stunt and defoliate trees, leading to premature fruit drop and reduced fruit set in the following season.3
Both ACP and pear psylla contribute to significant economic losses, making effective pest management essential.
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