http:\/\/www.fresnobee.com\/2012\/04\/10\/2794977\/business-blog-new-app-to-track.html<\/p>\n
By Robert Rodriguez – The Fresno Bee<\/p>\n
Tuesday, Apr. 10, 2012 | 07:09 PM <\/p>\n
What to do if you spot a bug on your backyard citrus tree that you suspect is the dreaded Asian citrus psyllid?<\/p>\n
Well, there is now an app for that.<\/p>\n
A new iPhone application called “Save Our Citrus” is available for free on iTunes. <\/p>\n
The app was created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a way to provide the public with a quick and easy way to get more information about the psyllid and the disease it can carry, huanglongbing (HLB).<\/p>\n
An application platform compatible with Android smart phones is expected to be released soon.<\/p>\n
Federal and state agriculture officials have been on heightened alert after California’s first case of HLB was detected in Hacienda Heights on March 30.<\/p>\n
The app allows a homeowner to upload pictures of their own citrus trees and compare it to pictures of infected trees.<\/p>\n
People also can report suspicious insects and tree symptoms to the California Department of Food and Agriculture.<\/p>\n
There is also a link to the Save Our Citrus website and YouTube channel where people can watch videos about the insect and tree disease.<\/p>\n
“We are very excited about the outreach potential this application has,” said Joel Nelsen, president of California Citrus Mutual. <\/p>\n
“Every informed citrus tree owner is a huge step toward preventing HLB from devastating the California citrus industry as it has in Brazil, Mexico and Florida.” <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
http:\/\/www.fresnobee.com\/2012\/04\/10\/2794977\/business-blog-new-app-to-track.html By Robert Rodriguez – The Fresno Bee Tuesday, Apr. 10, 2012 | 07:09 PM What to do if you spot a bug on your backyard citrus tree that you suspect is the dreaded Asian citrus psyllid? Well, there is … Continue reading