Welcome to "Focus on Ag Research" from the Agricultural Research Service, or ARS.  ARS is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific research agency.

If you enjoy oranges, you should know about the Asian citrus psyllid. It's an insect spreading Huanglongbing ("HONG-LONG-BIN"), a disease that is killing orange trees. 

Fortunately, Dr. David Hall, an ARS scientist in Florida, has learned when orange growers need to watch out for the insect. 

Citrus trees produce new leaves in Florida about three or four times a year and the psyllids feed on citrus leaves. Dr. Hall released psyllids that carried the disease near citrus trees that were at various stages of leaf development to compare how quickly the disease would spread. 

He found that the trees were most likely to develop the disease if they were exposed when they were about two weeks into leaf development. Trees that weren't developing leaves were much less likely to become infected.

Thanks to the research, orange producers have a better idea of when they need to be on the alert for these destructive bugs.

ARS scientists have a long history of finding ways to help control insects that attack fruits, vegetables, and other crops.

To learn more about ARS research, visit AgResearch magazine at www.agresearchmag.ars.usda.gov.  

That's our podcast for today. Thanks for listening.