The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has established a new quarantine in Ramona, San Diego County, after confirming the presence of Huanglongbing disease (HLB) in citrus trees on a residential property. HLB, also known as citrus greening, is spread by the Asian citrus psyllid and is recognized as one of the most destructive diseases affecting citrus worldwide. The disease leads to yellowing leaves, deformed or bitter fruit, and ultimately tree death. There is currently no cure for HLB.
Ramona is now the first area within its community to be placed under quarantine for HLB, joining other parts of San Diego County such as Fallbrook, Oceanside, Rancho Bernardo, and Valley Center where the disease has previously been detected.
Although HLB does not threaten human health, it poses a significant risk to both commercial and backyard citrus production. California remains one of the top citrus-producing states in the country.
Experts from University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), which operates offices in all 58 California counties and nine Research and Extension Centers across diverse ecosystems (https://ucanr.edu/), have worked for more than a decade to monitor the Asian citrus psyllid and implement pest management strategies. UC ANR applies University of California expertise to support communities statewide through research and outreach initiatives (https://ucanr.edu/). Their specialists collaborate with growers, nurseries, and residents to detect early signs of infestation and encourage practices that reduce disease transmission between trees.
A large number of HLB cases in California have been found in neighborhood trees rather than commercial orchards. This underscores the importance of local residents’ involvement in prevention efforts.
Quarantines restrict movement of citrus plants, branches, leaves, and fresh fruit outside affected areas to prevent further spread.
State authorities recommend that residents:
• Do not move citrus plants or branches outside your area.
• Inspect trees regularly for yellowing leaves or misshapen fruit.
• Report sightings of Asian citrus psyllids or suspicious symptoms.
• Cooperate with agricultural inspections when requested.
For more information about HLB or reporting possible cases:
– https://californiacitrusthreat.org
– https://ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/citrus/huanglongbing/#gsc.tab=0
– https://ucanr.edu/site/asian-citrus-psyllid-distribution-and-management
“The battle against HLB in California is not decided in commercial orchards — but in backyards.”