More Asian citrus psyllids found in Tulare County

Nearly 20 Asian citrus psyllids recently were discovered in Tulare County, as the battle to keep the harmful pest under control continues.

Since 2011, agriculture officials have found 384 psyllids in the county, the state’s fastest-growing citrus-growing region.

Marilyn Kinoshita, Tulare County agricultural commissioner, said 17 bugs were found in insect traps in Tulare, Tipton, Terra Bella and Visalia. All but one of the traps were in a residential area; the other was in a commercial citrus grove.

Kinoshita said 10 psyllids were found at a juice plant in Tipton.

The Asian citrus psyllid is one of the most feared pests in the citrus world. The size of an aphid, it is capable of transmitting a deadly plant disease known as citrus greening or huanglongbing. There is no cure for the disease that has decimated Florida’s citrus industry.

This story was originally published May 3, 2016 at 5:00 PM with the headline "More Asian citrus psyllids found in Tulare County."