California state officials have put an area of San Diego county under quarantine to protect the state’s main citrus growing region from the pest that spreads citrus greening.
More than 200 Asian citrus psyllid insects have now been found in San Diego and Dulzura, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Although tests are still being carried out, the state said there was “no indication” that the bugs carry the disease, also known as huanglongbing.
The quarantine covers an area of 1,181 square miles in southern San Diego County. Enforced by the state and the US Department of Agriculture, the quarantine will prevent the movement of citrus trees and related plants from the area, and requires harvested fruit to be commercially cleaned before shipment.
“This pest can carry a very serious disease that has the potential to cripple citrus plants beyond repair, so we are moving swiftly,” California Food and Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura said.
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