Community Corner

Pest Threatens Murrieta Citrus

The Asian Citrus Psyllid has been found in Murrieta, according to officials, and can be a death sentence for citrus trees.

A dangerous pest has been found in Murrieta and threatens the ability of homeowners to continue growing citrus in their backyards, according to a news release.

Dubbed the Asian Citrus Psyllid, the pest can be the carrier of a plant disease called Huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening disease. While not harmful to human health, HLB is a death sentence for citrus, the news release stated.

Homeowners and growers were given these to tips to help protect Murrieta citrus:

Find out what's happening in Murrietawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Inspect citrus trees for the pest each month or whenever watering, spraying, pruning or tending trees;
  • Buy citrus trees only from reputable, licensed retail nurseries;
  • Do not bring any plant material into California from other states or countries;
  • Dry or double bag plant clippings before putting them in green waste recycle bins; and
  • Cooperate with agriculture officials on pest detection and treatment.

For more information on what to look for, visit CaliforniaCitrusThreat.org.


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