The California Department of Food and Agriculture has declared a new citrus quarantine in northern San Diego County and part of Camp Pendleton after detecting Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening, in a residential tree in San Clemente. This marks San Diego’s first multi-jurisdictional quarantine, spanning southern Orange County to northern San Diego, including Camp Pendleton. Existing quarantines in Fallbrook, Oceanside, Rancho Bernardo, and Valley Center remain in effect.
HLB is spread by the Asian citrus psyllid and is deadly to citrus, causing bitter, misshapen fruit and eventually killing trees. While not harmful to humans or animals, the disease threatens San Diego County’s $144 million citrus industry and residential growers. Movement of citrus plants and fruit outside quarantine boundaries is restricted, with exceptions for treated and cleaned commercial produce. County and state officials are testing nearby trees, arranging protective treatments, and working with residents and growers to prevent further spread.
Inside the quarantine area, the County urges residents to take the following steps:
- Do not move citrus plants, leaves, or foliage into or out of the quarantine area.
- Remove all leaves and stems and thoroughly wash backyard citrus before moving from the property where it was grown.
- Dry or double-bag plant clippings prior to disposal.
- Cooperate with agricultural officials who are inspecting trees, taking samples, and treating for the pest.
- If residents no longer wish to care for a citrus tree, consider contacting a tree removal service to discuss options to help ensure trees do not continue to be a host to the pest and disease.
- Only buy citrus trees from reputable local nurseries.
- Report citrus trees that seem to be sick or dying even though they also appear to be well-watered and well-maintained by contacting CDFA’s toll-free Pest Hotline at (800) 491-1899 or visit www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/acp.
- Visit CaliforniaCitrusThreat.org to learn more about the pest and disease and to see pictures.
- For questions regarding moving commercial citrus and HLB quarantine regulations, please contact the San Diego Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures at (760) 752-4700 or visit www.sdcawm.org.