Clarification: Senasa has since clarified that the vector for HLB is not present in Peru. In its initial press release, the agency said the vector was near the northern border, and the note was accompanied by a photo of a Peruvian inspector taking samples; something that would not indicate the vector was in Ecuador. However, a Senasa representative has confirmed the photo was arbitrary. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

The insect that spreads citrus greening disease has been found near Peru's northern border, sparking calls for extra caution from growers and the public.

Citrus greening, also known as Huanglongbing (HLB) which means 'yellow dragon' in Mandarin, has wreaked havoc on citrus fields in major growing regions around the world including Asia, Brazil and the U.S. state of Florida.

The Peruvian National Agricultural Health Service (SENASA) said the discovery of the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP), or Diaphorina citri, meant all growers of lemons, oranges and mandarins would need to be on alert.

HLB has not yet been confirmed in any orchards, however infected trees can take a long time between infection and the appearance of symptoms.

SENASA will be undertaking containment simulations in the region of Tumbes tomorrow, followed by another in Piura in a couple of days' time - the aim of these exercises is to evaluate the reaction and timely response in the event the vector appears in these areas.

Photo: Senasa

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