The Center for Invasive Species Research
CISR: Leading the Fight Against Invasive Species in California
Every 60 days, California gains a new and potentially damaging invasive species. This rate of invasion results, on average, in six new species establishing in California each year. Economic loses to California from invasive species are estimated at $3 billion per year. The unique climate and geography of California provides diverse ecosytems which are perfect for the establishment of a diverse variety of new pests. CISR's researchers lead the way to determine how pests enter California, where invading populations came from and why these pests are successful in establishing California as their home. Learn more about the CISR program
CISR Spotlight: The Asian Citrus Psyllid
The Asian citrus Psyllid is an efficient vector of the citrus disease huanglongbing, previously called citrus greening disease, which is one of the most destructive diseases of citrus worldwide. If the vector and disease were to establish in California, a costly eradication program would need to be instituted to remove infected trees in order to protect the citrus industry. Asian citrus psyllid was first detected in California on August 27, 2008 when it was trapped in backyard citrus in southwestern San Diego. As of November 2008, there were at least 20 known infested sites...
Read more about the Asian Citrus Psyllid
Critical Invasive Species to California
The Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter
Due to heavy feeding on ornamental trees, this pest produces copious amounts of watery excreta that rains down on anything, or anyone below.
Diaprepes Root Weevil
Adult beetles will feed on leaves causing a characteristic notching pattern. Larval feeding will eventually girdle the crown area of the root system, killing the plant.
Quagga Mussels
Quagga and zebra mussels clog water intake structures (pipes and screens), which increases maintenance costs for water treatment and power plants.
Light Brown Apple Moth
LBAM larvae feed on leaves and buds reducing photosynthetic rate, deforming growth patterns, which leads to general plant weakness and disfigurement.
What are invasive species?
Invasive species, alien species, exotic pests, bio-pollution, non-indigenous species, or invasive alien species, are common names that categorize non-native animals, microbes, diseases, or plants that are pests. These pests are not native in areas in which they cause problems and they are considered "invasive" because they invade new areas and the resulting invasion causes economic or environmental problems. Read more invasive species FAQ's
Where do invasive species come from?
Invasive species are often native to a country or area different to that in which they have invaded and are now causing problems. On average, California acquires around six invasive species per year, this is a rate of one new species every 60 days. Hawaii and Florida acquire new species at a round of around 15 per year. Read more invasive species FAQ'sWhy are invasive species a problem?
Invasive species cause a wide diversity of economic and environmental problems which almost always arise from uncontrolled population growth and spread in the area which has been invaded. Economic problems arise from the costs required to control invasive species, to reduce their rate of spread, or the need to inspect agricultural products that are being exported that may accidentally move the invasive pest to a new area. Read more invasive species FAQ's