Extension and outreach approaches to include homeowners in the fight against citrus greening in Florida

Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) Diaphorina citri is the vector of the pathogen causing Huanglongbing (HLB), the most devastating citrus disease worldwide. Residential areas constitute important reservoirs for the disease. Nevertheless, most of the research and Extension conducted on management of ACP and HLB has been conducted in citrus groves. In addition, removal of HLB trees that is recommended in areas where infection is less than10% is a controversial topic.

We first conducted a survey among 650 Florida residents to assess their knowledge about ACP and HLB. This survey was conducted both in areas were HLB is prevalent (Central Florida) and areas where the disease is still rare (North Florida). Surprisingly residents of areas where HLB is less prevalent were more likely to use conventional insecticides and spend more time to eradicate ACP if encountered than residents in high HLB areas. Interestingly, most of the residents agreed to remove their citrus trees if they became infected by the pathogen (76%). The survey showed a lack of knowledge of residents especially regarding the identification of ACP and tools that can be used to protect their trees.

Then, we conducted a series of workshops in local Extension County office with hands-on, presentations, and display of ACP. Exit survey showed an increase in HLB/ACP knowledge and a change in behavior as residents were more willing to use some methods (such as reflective mulch, tree protector…) to protect their trees from ACP.