Residential buffer zones around commercial citrus may be treated by the CDFA with insecticides to suppress Asian citrus psyllid populations if 90% of growers in that region have applied insecticides within a designated time frame.  While useful for encouraging area-wide suppression efforts, this threshold created logistical difficulties, and in the Fall of 2019 DATOC was asked to explore a new criterion for buffer zones to qualify for treatment. 

     

     After analyzing historic participation in area-wide treatment applications, we proposed that regions which reached 90% in 2 out of the last 3 treatment windows be eligible for buffer zone treatments.  Alternatively, in order to plan all treatments in advance, the 2 out of 3 threshold could be utilized, but excepting the most recent treatment window.

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     In January, this proposal was presented to the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Program Operations Subcommittee, which voted to move the proposal forward to the full Committee.  The full Committee approved the proposal on January 15, 2020, with the caveat that areas which reach 90% for the first time will qualify for the buffer treatment.