Citrus disease, also known as the yellow dragon disease, is caused by a vector-transmitted pathogen and infects particularly fruit trees. The main cause for it is an aphid-like insect that’s common in San Bernardino County. The discovery of five diseased trees in Rancho Cucamonga tells us that the disease is now in the area and that the infected trees need to be taken care of as soon as possible.
Keep reading to find out more about the citrus greening disease in Rancho Cucamonga!
Citrus Disease in Rancho Cucamonga is Deadly
New Disease in Rancho Cucamonga
The trees on residential properties in Rancho Cucamonga are dealing with the citrus greening disease for the first time in history. The disease has been found previously in the county, but the trees affected in this city are now very vulnerable to the disease and immediate reaction by state agriculture authorities is needed.
As a result of these findings, tree services Rancho Cucamonga decided that about 80 square miles need to be added to the Southern California citrus quarantine zone. The quarantine dictates that citrus plants, trimmings, leaves, and nursery stock can’t be moved outside of it.
Citrus fruit that’s grown for commercial purposes can still be moved after cleaning, treating, and packing under tight restrictions. The authorities allow homeowners to wipe down to fruit and strip the leaves in order for the fruit to be consumed locally.
The Department of Food and Agriculture in Rancho Cucamonga is releasing tiny wasps that feed on the psyllid causing the disease as a form of biological treatment. In addition, yellow cardboard traps coated with a sticky substance are also used to attract psyllids.
About the Disease
The disease is caused by the Asian citrus psyllid that sucks out the nutrients from the trees by piercing through the leaves. Additionally, the psyllid then infects the tree with bacteria that cause the disease, eventually resulting in death.
It is important to mention that citrus greening is not harmful to humans or animals. However, the trees suffer a lot of damage – tree service California companies usually advise complete removal to stop the spreading since there’s no cure for the disease.
There are about 2,000 trees affected by this disease in California. These numbers are high since the disease is fatal to citrus fruit. The problem is that if it gets to a commercial stock, it will kill the entire commercial citrus industry.
FAQ
Q: How do you treat citrus disease?
A: There is no specific treatment that will destroy the citrus disease in Rancho Cucamonga. However, you can always try spraying your trees with insecticides as a form of prevention. Insecticides control aphids, mealybugs, and whiteflies, and will hopefully keep your tree healthy.
Q: What are the symptoms of citrus greening?
A: Common symptoms of citrus greening in Rancho Cucamonga often appear on the leaves and is usually accompanied by yellow spotting. The affected leaves usually become misshapen, bitter, and have irregular splotches. The yellowing is usually a lack of nutrients, while greening is caused by psyllids.
Q: Is there a cure for citrus greening?
A: There is no cure for citrus greening in Rancho Cucamonga, nor anywhere in the world. This systemic bacterial disease is causing huge problems all over the world for decades now. The trees that contract the disease die in just about five years.
Local Tree Experts Overview
The citrus disease is a deadly systematic bacterial disease that we don’t have a cure for. However, regular monitoring, trimming, and using insecticides can boost the immune system of your trees and completely prevent them from contracting the disease. We recommend consulting with your local arborist about the treatment!
