SAN DIEGO — A deadly pest and disease are threatening the health of California's citrus trees.
The disease was recently detected in Valley Center for the first time and agricultural officials are racing to prevent it from spreading. The bacterial disease known as Huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening, has been found in at least five orange trees on a residential property during regular inspection.
The discovery has led the California Department of Food and Agriculture to issue a new citrus quarantine in Valley Center.
The incurable disease is spread by an insect that feeds on citrus trees leaves and stems.
“The insect sucks on the leaves and puts its bacteria in their and clogs the vascular tissue," said arborist Ted Safford. "So even if the plant is getting properly watered, the water doesn't get out to the tips and the tips die back and then it affects the fruit."
Safford specialized in tree care and maintenance and says the disease has devastated the citrus industry in Florida and could have similar impacts here if not caught early.
“It’s potentially devastating here that’s why the authorities are all over it and trying to quarantine it to keep it under control. It’s been so bad in Florida that the price of orange juice is outrages," said Safford.
Agricultural officials say the disease is a major threat to San Diego County’s $138 million annual citrus crop.
“There’s no cure for this citrus greening disease and the tree will decline and die in just a few years," adds Safford.
The best way to protect trees is to stop the disease from spreading and recognizing the symptoms.
“Deformed fruit, sometimes the fruit will be half green and half orange you will notice yellow veins and sometimes you will see blotchy yellow growth," he said.
The disease is not harmful to people or animals. County officials are notifying local citrus growers, plant nurseries, and other businesses.
It's not the first time the disease has been found in San Diego County. It was first detected in 2021 in Oceanside and then earlier this year in Rancho Bernardo. There are existing quarantines in those areas to get the disease under control.
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