A residential citrus tree in the city of Riverside has tested positive for Huanglongbing (HLB). The citrus tree was located on a previous detection site from 2017. This is the first HLB detection in Riverside County since 2017. The California Department of Food and Agriculture is in the process of removing the HLB-positive tree.
In addition to removing the HLB-positive tree, CDFA has pulled samples from all other citrus trees on the property for testing and is in the process of beginning treatment of all host plants within 400 meters of the detection site.
Since this new detection occurred on the same property as a previous find, there will not be a change to the current HLB quarantine area or Asian citrus psyllid quarantine zones.
Citrus growers and pest control advisers in Riverside County should reach out to the county’s Grower Liaison Alan Washburn at alan@washburnandsons.com or 951-683-2392 with questions and to seek recommendations on how to protect their orchards.