Fruit fly discovery prompts quarantine talks

An insect that can harm fruit trees was found in Valley Center, causing quarantine and treatment plans to be considered, San Diego County agriculture officials said Friday.

The Asian citrus psyllid, which can damage citrus plants by feeding on leaf tissues, was found in a trap in a tangelo tree in northwest Valley Center, according to the county. The bug can carry a bacterium that causes huanglonbing, or HLB, which is also known as citrus greening because fruits are not able to color properly.

“We will continue to work diligently with the local citrus industry and residents to minimize the impact to local and state agriculture,” said Bob Atkins, San Diego County’s agriculture commissioner.

“San Diego County citrus, including fresh fruit and trees, is a $64 million industry, so this is an insect that we don’t want established here,” he said.

This story was written and edited by City News Service staff.

Tags: Bob Atkins San Diego County Agriculture Commissioner, San Diego County citrus, San Diego fruit fly discovery, San Diego fruit fly quarantine, SDNN, Valley Center fruit fly, Valley Center quarantine

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