Can California citrus be saved?

COAST CITIES — Find out how to help battle the loss of both your backyard citrus fruit and California’s entire $2 Billion citrus industryat 7 p.m. April 20, in the Student Center, room 3450, second floor.

The Asian citrus psyllid was reportedly found a few weeks ago in Los Angeles and a free presentation will be presented by the California Rare Fruit Growers featuring Allan Dodds, Emeritus Professor of Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside.

Viral diseases of subtropical and vegetable crops are Dodds’ areas of expertise, especially mixed viral infections. He is also a Docent at the San Diego Botanic Garden where he helps with plant mapping and identification.

Dodds will discuss disease threats to citrus from pathogens, including the recently discovered citrus greening or huanglongbing, and will consider how genetic modification of tree fruit crops might be deployed against diseases. Recent mapping of the sub-tropical tree fruit garden at the San Diego Botanic Garden will also be described.

Following Dodds’ talk, there will be a citrus panel discussion where you can pose your own citrus questions to the experts.

For more details, see nc.crfgsandiego.org.