The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), together with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), has widened the quarantine perimeter for citrus greening following new identifications in plant tissues from residential zones in Orange, Riverside, and San Diego counties. Known technically as Huanglongbing (HLB), citrus greening deteriorates citrus trees, causing lower fruit quality and early fruit drop, ultimately leading to tree decline. The Asian citrus psyllid insect disseminates the bacteria responsible for HLB transmission.
The quarantine area now covers added regions within Orange County, specifically Foothill Ranch and Mission Viejo; Riverside County, including Riverside; and San Diego County, specifically Valley Center. This expansion aims to protect citrus growers and restrict the reach of the disease to uninfected regions. Within quarantine borders, movement of citrus plants, related materials, and potentially infected trees is curtailed to stop unintentional disease spread. Residents and agricultural operators in affected zones are advised to adhere to established guidelines to reduce HLB dissemination risk.
Citrus greening poses threats to California's citrus sector, integral to the state's agriculture. Research and agricultural experts remain focused on management practices, such as biological control methods, resistant rootstocks, and tools for early detection. Maintaining public awareness and cooperation remains vital in curbing citrus greening spread and safeguarding citrus production.
Source: AgNet West