RIVERSIDE – (INT) – The dreaded citrus psyllid has been confirmed in the city.

The disease was detected in a CDFA sample collected July 10th from a grapefruit tree in a residential neighborhood near the intersection of Chicago and Marlborough avenues.

The disease affects citrus and closely related species.

Crews will remove and dispose of the infected tree and begin treating citrus trees within 800 feet for Asian citrus psyllid (HLB) infestations.

“The discovery of this disease means all citrus trees are at risk — including homegrown trees enjoyed by residents and thousands of acres of trees cared-for by citrus farmers,” said Ruben Arroyo, Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer. “It’s important for residents, growers and agricultural officials to work together to quickly find this disease and stop its spread,” he said.

A quarantine will be established in the area where HLB was detected. The quarantine prohibits the sale of all host nursery stock and the movement of all host plants and fruits within a five-mile radius of the find, and applies to residents and commercial operations alike.

Story Date: July 31, 2017