News Summary
The USDA’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service has expanded quarantine zones for citrus greening disease in Southern California. The move is a response to new HLB detections in Orange, Riverside, and San Diego counties. This expansion affects nearly 2,762 acres of commercial citrus production, with significant restrictions on the movement of citrus plants within the newly designated areas. Farmers and residents are urged to follow guidelines to protect the citrus industry from this harmful disease.
Los Angeles, California
The USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has expanded the quarantine zones for citrus greening, also known as Huanglongbing (HLB), in Southern California due to new detections of the disease in plant tissue samples. The expansion, which involves collaboration with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), aims to manage the spread of this harmful disease affecting citrus trees.
Recent findings confirmed the presence of HLB in residential areas within Orange, Riverside, and San Diego counties. As a result, specific regions are now under heightened restrictions to safeguard against further spread. The newly designated quarantine areas include:
- Foothill Ranch and Mission Viejo in Orange County – expanded by 26.69 square miles.
- Riverside area in Riverside County – expanded by 11.30 square miles.
- Valley Center in San Diego County – expanded by 85.19 square miles.
In total, this expansion affects an estimated 2,761.85 acres of commercial citrus production. With the increased quarantine measures, any movements of citrus plants, plant materials, and potentially infected trees are now strictly controlled within the affected zones.
Understanding Citrus Greening
Citrus greening is a severe disease that has detrimental effects on citrus trees. It leads to reduced fruit quality, premature fruit drop, and can ultimately result in the decline of the trees. The disease is transmitted through the Asian citrus psyllid insect, which carries bacteria that cause the infection.
Impact on Agriculture
This expansion of quarantine zones is critical for the preservation of California’s citrus industry, which plays a vital role in the state’s agricultural economy. The disease poses a significant threat to citrus crops, affecting not just farmers but also consumers who may see a decrease in the availability and quality of citrus products.
Preventive Measures
Residents and farmers located within the new quarantine areas are urged to adhere to the suggested guidelines to prevent the further spread of HLB. Public cooperation and awareness are deemed essential for managing this disease and protecting the citrus industry. Researchers and agricultural officials are currently exploring various strategies for controlling HLB, including biological control methods, developing resistant rootstocks, and enhancing early detection techniques.
Next Steps
To keep the public informed, APHIS plans to publish a notice regarding these changes in the Federal Register. Individuals seeking further information about the quarantine zones, preventive measures, and HLB management can visit the APHIS citrus greening website, which provides essential resources for residents and agricultural stakeholders alike.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
California Expands Citrus Greening Disease Quarantine
Additional Resources
- FreshPlaza: California Expands Citrus Greening Quarantine Zones
- Wikipedia: Huanglongbing
- FreshFruitPortal: APHIS Expands Citrus Greening Quarantine Area
- Google Search: Citrus Greening California
- Los Angeles Times: Citrus in Southern California
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Citrus Greening
- County News Center: State Declares Citrus Quarantine in Fallbrook
- Food & Wine: Citrus Greening in California
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
