One residential citrus tree in Moreno Valley has tested positive for an incurable plant disease called Huanglongbing (HLB) that infects and kills all citrus tree varieties, marking the first time the disease has been confirmed within Moreno Valley’s city limits.
HLB is spread by a small pest called the Asian citrus psyllid as it feeds on leaves and stems of citrus trees. HLB is not harmful to humans or animals, but once a tree is infected, it will die and must be removed.
To limit the spread of HLB, a citrus plant quarantine is in place throughout portions of Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties. The HLB detection in Moreno Valley has expanded the HLB quarantine in Riverside County to incorporate new areas of Riverside, Woodcrest and Perris, which is the newest city to be added to the HLB quarantine. To further limit the spread of the pest that can carry HLB, there are additional quarantines in place that make it illegal to bring citrus fruit or plant material into California from other states or countries.
California homeowners – 60% of whom are estimated to own citrus trees – play an important role in protecting our state’s citrus and are being asked to protect their own backyard trees by searching for signs of the pest and disease.
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