Expanded quarantine zones for citrus greening disease in Southern California.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
California Expands Citrus Greening Disease Quarantine
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