False Huanglongbing Report in Central Valley

News reports out of Tulare County have erroneously speculated that a citrus tree in the area may carry the incurable plant disease huanglongbing, or citrus greening.

The tree in question in Tulare County has been tested for Huanglongbing by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, using the PCR testing method approved by the USDA and recognized internationally – the results came back negative. The tree has been treated to remove Asian citrus psyllids and will continue to be monitored for pest presence as well as symptoms of the plant disease.

The CDFA would like to remind all California residents that it is illegal to bring a plant or plant parts, such as leaves or budwood, into the state from other states or countries. Additionally, quarantines for Huanglongbing and the Asian citrus psyllid are in place in a number of counties in California, prohibiting the movement of citrus plants under most circumstances. For full details on the quarantine areas in California, visit www.cdfa.ca.gov or www.CaliforniaCitrusThreat.org

It is critical residents do not bring citrus trees into the Central Valley from other California counties, or other states and countries. Doing so puts all citrus trees at risk of contracting Huanglongbing as well as other invasive species.

Residents who see the Asian citrus psyllid on their tree or suspect their tree may be infected with Huanglongbing should call the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s hotline at 800-491-1899.