14 | Four Seasons Hemet Herald | JANUARY 2018 |
The California Department of
Food and Agriculture recently
detected Huanglongbing (HLB),
an incurable plant disease, in a
number of trees in a residential
area of Riverside, which puts our
backyard citrus trees at risk.
These finds result in the cities
of Riverside, Grand Terrace and
Loma Linda being placed under
quarantine, which means citrus
plants can't be sold within the
area, and citrus plants or plant
cuttings shouldn't leave the
quarantine area.
HLB is not harmful to humans
or animals, but it kills citrus trees.
There is no cure for the disease
and once infected, trees must be
removed to prevent the disease
from spreading in the community.
While researchers are looking
for a cure to HLB, right now the
best way to protect against the
disease is to stop the pest that can
infect citrus trees. The Citrus Pest
& Disease Prevention Program
recommends the following
actions:
• Do not transport citrus trees
out of your local area.
• Cooperate with agriculture
officials working throughout
the state to stop the pest and
disease.
• Inspect citrus trees regularly
for signs and HLB. Report
symptoms by calling (800)
491-1899 and requesting a
free inspection by trained
agriculture officials.
Visit CaliforniaCitrusThreat.org
for more information and photos
of the pest and disease. We must
work together to help save our
community's citrus.
Save the Citrus Trees
WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON DISEASED TREES
Learn more at www.californiacitrusthreat.org
