First reports of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ and Diaphorina citri in Louisiana (US)
In May 2008, Diaphorina citri (Homoptera: Aphalaridae – EPPO A1 List, vector of huanglongbing) was observed for the first time in Louisiana (US). The first specimen was collected at a private property in Algiers, Orleans Parish on a lime tree (Citrus aurantifolia). Delimiting surveys were carried out in the vicinity of the initial find. As a result, D. citri was found at 7 sites (4 residential properties and 3 retail nurseries) in Jefferson and Orleans Parishes. Emergency actions have been taken to prevent the movement of plants infested by D. citri from nurseries. So far in the USA, the presence of D. citri has only been reported from Florida, Hawaii and Texas. In June 2008, the presence of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ associated with citrus huanglongbing (EPPO A1 List) was detected in the lime tree where the first specimen of D. citri had been collected. Phytosanitary measures are currently being developed in Louisiana to prevent any further spread of citrus huanglongbing. So far in the USA, ‘Ca. L. asiaticus’ has only been reported from Florida where it is submitted to containment measures.
The pest status of Diaphorina citri in the USA is officially declared as follows: Transient, actionable, under surveillance.
The pest status of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ in the USA is officially declared as follows: Present, only in some areas (localized in Florida and Louisiana) of the United States and under official control for the purpose of containment of the pest.
Sources
NAPPO Pest Alert System. Official Pest Reports. United States. Detection of Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, in Louisiana (2008-06-09). http://www.pestalert.org/oprDetail.cfm?oprID=319
Confirmation of Huanglongbing or citrus greening (‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’) in Louisiana – United States (2008-06-13). http://www.pestalert.org/oprDetail.cfm?oprID=321