Devastating Citrus Disease Found in Orange County, California

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and USDA have confirmed the detections of the citrus disease known as huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening in Orange County. The disease was detected in plant material taken from a lemon tree in a residential neighborhood in La Habra and from three trees (two lemon, one grapefruit) in a residential neighborhood in Anaheim.

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HLB is a deadly disease of citrus plants and closely related species and can be transmitted from tree to tree by the Asian citrus psyllid.

CDFA, in cooperation with USDA and the Orange County Agricultural Commissioner, has begun an extensive survey and limited treatment program in response to the detections. CDFA crews have removed and disposed of the infected trees and are preparing to conduct treatment of citrus trees for Asian citrus psyllid infestations within 800 meters of the find sites. By taking these steps, a critical reservoir of the disease and its vectors will be removed, which is essential to protect the surrounding citrus from this deadly disease.

CDFA has expanded an existing HLB quarantine to include a portion of La Habra and will soon expand it further to Anaheim. The quarantine prevents the sale of all host nursery stock and the movement of all host plants and fruits within a 5-mile radius of the find sites and applies to residents and commercial operations alike. The HLB quarantine maps for Los Angeles and Orange Counties are available online.

 

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