According to the Arizona Department of Agriculture, the citrus industry arrived in Arizona decades before statehood. Citrus is one of the five critical C industries in Arizona, the others being Cotton, Copper, Climate and Cattle.
Arizona's citrus trees are threatened by the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP). Found in backyards, along roads and commercial groves throughout the state, ACP, is a tiny pest that can do major damage. There is currently a statewide quarantine for this pest, but the disease it carries is still not known to occur in Arizona. ACP is a serious threat, because it carries a disease that kills citrus trees. Usually referred to as Citrus Greening Disease, it has been found worldwide and in the United States throughout Florida and is working its way through Texas and California. Once infected, the fruit of a tree will become bitter and unusable. Diseased trees will eventually die, in as little as a few years after symptoms are noticed. The citrus industries in Florida and Texas have suffered billion dollars in lost revenue and thousands of jobs have been lost.
Tips to Save Arizona’s Citrus
What to Do
- Buy local citrus
- Purchase your citrus plants only from reputable nurseries
- Citrus should be shared with friends, family and neighbors locally
- Fertilize your citrus trees, and watch for signs and symptoms of psyllid infestation or citrus greening
What Not to Do
- Ship or carry uncertified* citrus fruit, leaves, or plants into Arizona
- Purchase uncertified* citrus fruit, leaves or plants from another state or online
- Bring citrus fruit, leaves or plants with you from other states or countries into Arizona from your travels
- Graft citrus budwood or clippings from sources that have not been verified free from citrus diseases
*Fruit, leaves and plants must undergo specific safeguarding measures and a certificate or permit issued by a regulatory agency to leave or enter the state.
Resource: Arizona Department of Agriculture
