Ryan plays his part by setting traps in his orchards

Riverland grower Ryan Arnold, Pyap Produce, Loxton, SA, takes part in the Citrus Australia coordinated Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) trapping program each year.

After learning about Huanglongbing (HLB) and ACP through a conference organized by Citrus Australia five years ago, Ryan took the opportunity to learn more on behalf of his growing region.

After visiting HLB and ACP infected orchards in America in 2019 on a citrus industry study tour, Ryan felt compelled to join the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee (CPDPC) and the National Citrus Surveillance Committee (NCSC).

“I wanted to be involved and use the knowledge gained through the trip to the USA to be part of the team charged with the responsibility of creating a strong industry biosecurity plan.

“Out of that I have been keen to be involved in the trapping surveillance of ACP so we can be confident that it is not present in Australia,” said Ryan.

Ryan said he sets up around five traps on his farm in spring and autumn, and it’s a minor impedance on him compared to the value of the data they get out of it.

“Trapping is important to confirm we don’t have ACP, we have also collected bud stick samples from the trapping locations to test for HLB.

“Confirming its absence allows the industry, through the CPDPC, to formulate plans on keeping both out.

“Also if it shows up it will allow us to enact our plans quickly and decisively to eradicate ACP.

“Jess Lye and the CA team have made comprehensive but easy to follow instructions with a pack of all the gear I need to do trapping and recording is made super easy by using the MyPestGuide Reporter phone app.

“It probably takes me an hour or two to deploy and then collect the traps and ready them for posting to the relevant entomological service for ID.”

Ryan said, although ACP and HLB are not present in Australia, growers and industry need to be prepared and monitoring for when it does.

“As an industry we are fairly sure we don’t have ACP in Australia although Indonesia, Timor Leste and Papua New Guinea, some of our closest neighbouring countries do; it’s just a hop skip and a jump away.”

“The trapping I and others conduct is important for all of the citrus industry, not just my business.”

Ryan implores all growers to have a biosecurity plan in place and to source budwood and seeds from certified nurseries, like AusCitrus.

“Take the time to familiarise yourselves with the tree symptoms of HLB and the identification of the psyllid and report any concerns to Citrus Australia or your local DPI.”

Seasonal ACP trapping is coordinated through the citrus industry biosecurity program, CitrusWatch. If you are interested in taking part, contact Jess Lye at jessica.lye@citrusaustralia.com.au