San Diego City Wire

The California Department of Food and Agriculture declared a new citrus quarantine in Fallbrook on Sept. 16 after detecting the fatal citrus tree disease known as Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening, in one mandarin tree in a residential neighborhood during regular inspections.

This bacterial disease poses a significant threat to San Diego County’s $138 million annual citrus crop and can affect residential citrus tree owners. HLB causes misshapen, bitter fruit and eventually kills infected trees. Over 456 businesses may be impacted by the new quarantine, including more than 100 growers with approximately 830 acres of commercial citrus, four commercial nurseries, and a farmer’s market in downtown Fallbrook.

This new quarantine supplements existing HLB quarantines in Oceanside, Rancho Bernardo, and Valley Center. It covers the area bordered on the north by De Luz; to the south by SR-76 and Camino Del Rey; to the west by Camp Pendleton; and to the east by I-15. Maps for this HLB quarantine are available online.

The purpose of the quarantine is to protect the region’s food supply, agricultural economy, and environmental sustainability by restricting people and businesses from moving citrus nursery stock, plant parts, and fruit outside the quarantine boundaries. The only exception is for agricultural businesses that must adhere to specific requirements for treatment, cleaning, and packing commercial fruit before movement.

The disease is not harmful to people or animals but is deadly to citrus trees and could be devastating to the county’s citrus industry. HLB spreads through tiny insects called Asian citrus psyllids if they carry the bacterium when feeding on citrus trees. Samples from trees on the property where HLB was confirmed—as well as from surrounding areas—are undergoing tests for the disease.

“Unfortunately, Huanglongbing is fatal to citrus,” said San Diego Agricultural Commissioner Ha Dang. “So our goal is to prevent this disease from spreading. By working together, we can all protect our food supply, local agriculture, and environment from this devastating disease.” Dang added that partnering with state and federal regulatory partners involves close cooperation with residents and agricultural operators.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) will work with residents in affected areas to arrange treatment of citrus trees as a protective measure against HLB. County officials are also notifying local citrus growers, plant nurseries, and other related businesses proactively. If additional infected trees are detected within the quarantine area, CDFA officials will contact properties regarding treatment or removal of these trees while treating nearby ones as well.

Infected trees may exhibit mottled yellow leaves in asymmetrical patterns along with small asymmetrical fruit that remains partially green and bitter—unsuitable for sale or consumption. The disease diminishes both appearance and economic value of these trees leading ultimately to their death within a few years.

Inside the quarantine area residents are urged by county authorities to take precautionary steps:

For media inquiries: Paige Shewmaker | ps@nstpr.com | (916) 753-4491

County Communications Office

communications@sdcounty.ca.gov

619-595-4633

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