March 26, 2015

Asian Citrus Psyllid Quarantine Expanded

California has expanded the quarantine zone in Madera County to protect against the spread of the Asian citrus psyllid after an insect was found east of Madera, in the Bonadelle Ranchos-Madera Ranchos area.

The quarantine expansion adds 79 square miles, bringing the total quarantine area in Madera County to 179 square miles. The quarantine prohibits the movement of citrus and curry tree nursery stock out of the area. It also requires that all citrus fruit be cleaned of leaves and stems prior to moving out of the quarantine.  An exception may be made for nursery stock and budwood grown in USDA-approved structures that are designed to keep the psyllid and other insects out.

The psyllid is considered a serious citrus pest because of its ability to carry the tree-killing disease huanglongbing, also known as citrus greening. There is no cure for the disease. Only one case of the disease has been found in California, a backyard citrus tree in Hacienda Heights, Los Angeles County.