The Citrus Greening Quarantine has extended beyond the citrus growing region in the Rio Grande Valley. Currently, Harris County, Montgomery County and Fort Bend County are also under quarantine by the Texas Department of Agriculture for Citrus Greening Disease. It is important for citrus tree owners in these areas to be aware of this important situation.

WHAT IS CITRUS GREENING DISEASE? 

Citrus Greening, also known as Huanglongbing (HLB), is the most destructive disease of citrus trees and is a serious threat to Texas citrus such as orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime, kumquat, tangerine and orange jasmine. Citrus Greening poses no threat to humans or animals and the fruit is safe to eat. A small insect called the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) spreads the disease. Once a tree is infected, there is NO CURE.

DO NOT MOVE CITRUS PLANTS OR ORANGE JASMINE 

Do not move citrus plants out of the Citrus Greening quarantine area. Click HERE for an updated map of the quarantine area.

INSPECT YOUR PLANTS OFTEN

Look for Asian citrus psyllids (ACP) on young leaves and new flush. Also look for symptoms of Citrus Greening which include asymmetrical blotchy mottling of leaves, raised corky veins or misshapen fruit. Click HERE to view photos of citrus greening symptoms.

CONTROL ASIAN CITRUS PSYLLID (ACP) POPULATIONS

The only way to protect trees is to prevent spread of Citrus Greening disease by controlling psyllid populations. Biological, chemical and organic options are available to control ACP. For more information on ACP control in Home Landscapes, click HERE.

REPORT PLANTS THAT APPEAR TO BE INFECTED

If you observe symptoms of Citrus Greening, contact The Texas Department of Agriculture:

Nurseries

1-800-TELL TDA (1-800-835-5832)

PlantQuality@TexasAgriculture.gov

For homeowners outside of the Rio Grande Valley,

report symptomatic plants at www.saveourcitrus.org

   COMMISSIONER SID MILLER