The state Department of Food and Agriculture has declared a citrus quarantine expansion in Valley Center, San Diego County announced Friday.
Officials detected a fatal disease known as “citrus greening” in two trees located in residential neighborhoods during regular inspections.
This bacterial disease called Huanglongbing (or HLB) “is a major threat to San Diego County’s $144 million annual citrus crop and can impact residential citrus tree owners,” county officials said in a statement.
HLB “causes misshapen, bitter fruit and eventually kills infected trees,” according to the county.
There are over 350 businesses that may be affected by the expanded quarantine, including over 100 growers with approximately 1,700 acres of commercial citrus and three commercial nurseries.
According to the county, the state department declared the expansion on March 26.
There are existing HLB quarantines in Fallbrook, Oceanside, Rancho Bernardo and Valley Center, the county said, adding that the expanded quarantine involves portions of citrus-growing regions in Pala and Pauma Valley.
“Our goal is to prevent this disease from spreading,” San Diego Agricultural Commissioner Ha Dang said. “By working together, we can all protect our food supply, local agriculture, and environment from this devastating disease.”
An exception is being made for agricultural businesses that must comply with specific requirements for cleaning, packing commercial fruit (prior to it being moved) and treatment, according to the county.
The disease isn’t harmful to people or animals. The Asian citrus psyllid spreads HLB, if it carries the bacterium when feeding on citrus trees.
CDFA will work with residents on treatment of citrus trees as a protective measure against the disease, said county officials, who added they are also notifying local citrus growers, plant nurseries and other related businesses as a proactive measure.
Should the disease be found in additional citrus trees in the quarantine area, state officials will contact property owners regarding treatment and removal.
Infected trees may show mottled yellow leaves, generally in asymmetrical patterns. Those trees also may bear small, asymmetrical-shaped fruit that is partially green, tastes bitter, and is not fit to eat or be sold, according to the county.
San Diego County suggested that residents take several steps inside quarantine areas, including not moving citrus plants, leaves or foliage into or out of the area, removing all leaves and stems, and thoroughly washing backyard citrus before moving it from the property where the fruit was grown and drying or double-bagging plant clippings prior to disposal.
They also ask that citrus trees that appear to be sick or dying, even if they also appear to be well-watered and well-maintained, be reported. Contacting CDFA’s toll-free Pest Hotline at 800-491-1899 or visit CDFA online. Explore more information online, along with photos, are at California Citrus Threat.
Residents with questions on commercial citrus and HLB quarantine regulations, may contact the San Diego Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures at 858-614-7770.
In related news, CDFA and the county will hold upcoming public meetings. The first is from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, at the North Coast Church Pauma Valley, 32077 Community Church Drive.
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