The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has expanded the huanglongbing (HLB) quarantine boundary in San Diego County following the confirmation of one HLB-positive residential citrus tree in Fallbrook. CDFA is also expanding the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) Bulk Citrus Regional Quarantine Zone 6 to reflect the HLB quarantine boundary expansion. A map of the expanded boundary can be found here. ACP is the pest that spreads HLB disease to citrus trees after feeding on infected plant tissue.
The area under the expanded quarantine boundary is comprised of many businesses that may be affected by the expansion, including more than 80 growers and 40 commercial nurseries.
Additionally, one HLB-positive tree was detected in Valley Center, but did not result in a quarantine expansion. CDFA officials have completed the treatment and removal of both infected trees. CDFA, alongside County of San Diego Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures (AWM) staff, are conducting delimitation activities in the expanded HLB quarantine area.
Commercial citrus growers now in the HLB quarantine area will need to obtain HLB Quarantine Compliance Agreements to continue to ship, process, harvest and/or sell their crops.
CDFA and AWM staff are available to assist any industry members with these new requirements. Those impacted by this expanded quarantine who have questions regarding quarantine or pre-quarantine program requirements can contact AWM at CQP.AWM@sdcounty.ca.gov or 858-614-7770. General questions should be directed to the CDFA Pest Hotline at 800-491-1899.
Source: Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Program
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