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Tiny wasp used to combat Asian citrus psyllid in Santa Barbara County

University of California

Efforts to control the spread of the Asian Citrus Psyllid in Santa Barbara County are ramping up with the use of micro-organisms.

Keeping the pest in check is key to protecting the state's $2 billion citrus industry from a disease known as Huanglongbing, or Citrus Greening.

Dr. David Morgan with the California Department of Food and Agriculture said scientists are using a small parasitic wasp that feeds on the psyllids, ultimately killing the pest.

Morgan said there's no need to be concerned with the parasite killing favorable insects or spreading out of control because it's very specific to this psyllid.

"The insect we deal with, it eats only the Asian citrus psyllid and if the Asian citrus psyllid isn't present, it dies," said Morgan.

The wasps were first introduced into Santa Barbara County with a pilot project last year, but that effort ramped up significantly this year in the Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, and Santa Maria areas.

Morgan said the method can reduce the psyllid population by up to 30 percent . He said it is best used in residential areas and locations where pesticides can't be used, like organic orchards.