Citrus disease update in the San Gabriel Valley

In early July, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed detection of the citrus disease known as huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening, in the San Gabriel area of Los Angeles County.  This was the second time HLB was detected in California, since 2012. While HLB disease does not pose a threat to humans or animals, it is fatal to citrus trees.

“HLB is a serious plant disease that kills citrus trees and is spread by a psyllid that feeds on citrus tree leaves and stems,” said Assemblymember Chau.  “It is important that HLB infected trees be removed to protect other trees, the community’s citrus, and the state’s vibrant commercial citrus industry.”

Since the finding in July, emergency treatment and quarantine actions have taken place to protect California from the negative economic and environmental impacts the establishment of this pest throughout California would cause.  Residents of the affected area have previously been invited to attend two open house meetings in July and August with cooperating agency officials familiar with this program to individually address constituent concerns and answer any questions.  To date, CDFA has completed treatment in the quarantine area after visiting over 2,400 residences and completing inspections on more than 6,000 plants and 1,300 citrus psyllid samples. For years to come, CDFA will continue its intense survey of local citrus trees and psyllids in the area, and surrounding region, to determine if HLB exists anywhere else.

“Some residents can expect to see CDFA officials, identified by a department issued badge, surveying the property and collecting leaf samples and any psyllids that they find,” said Assemblymember Chau.  “These surveyors will never ask to enter your home, and in your absence will leave notification on your residence, such as a ‘Post Notice of Visual Inspection,’ specifying surveillance, where it was conducted on the property, and what, if anything, was collected.”

For more information about HLB, and “What to Expect” when there is a finding, please visit my website http://asmdc.org/members/a49/ and click on the “Citrus Greening” button.  If you require additional information, please contact CDFA’s toll-free PEST HOTLINE at (800) 491-1899 for further assistance.

Assemblymember Ed Chau represents the 49th Assembly District, comprised of the cities of Alhambra, Arcadia, El Monte, Monterey Park, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, Temple City and portions of Montebello, and South El Monte.