Monitor and treat citrus trees for pest, or remove trees to protect others

Not long ago, a small farmer with 25 to 200 citrus trees could actually make a few dollars per year in fruit sales. The rise of input prices – water, management, pest control and picking – and flat sales prices have made that difficult now. The recent arrival of an invasive pest called the Asian citrus psyllid is yet another irksome development for local citrus growers, but this insect has much more dire consequences than a high water bill.

The Asian citrus psyllid, which has been found throughout Northern San Diego County, can carry a disease that kills citrus trees, transmitting...