Current Insect and Disease Quarantines in Santa Clara County

Asian Citrus Psyllid

Quarantine on citrus fruits, leaves, and trees; also Indian curry leaf, an alternative host

The Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) has been detected in Santa Clara County as well as other parts of California. This insect pest can carry the disease huanglongbing (HLB) that is devastating for all citrus trees. Efforts are focused on slowing the spread of this insect as much as possible. The disease has not yet been found in Northern California but has been detected in Southern California and other parts of the country.

Indian curry leaf (Murraya koenigii) can also host this insect, so falls under the quarantine as well.

This Citrus Research Board presentation explains the relationship between the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) and the HLB disease, how to recognize the different stages of the ACP insect, how the HLB disease affects citrus, and the many ways that the insect can accidentally be transported into California. See also the UC IPM Pest Note on the Asian Citrus Psyllid.

Much of California, including Santa Clara County, is under quarantine for the ACP insect (CDFA quarantine map). As yet, there are no local areas under quarantine for the HLB disease. (An HLB quarantine is in effect in parts of Southern California.)

What the quarantine means

Clean fruits can be moved out of the quarantine zone

Homegrown citrus fruit that is clean of all stem and leaf material can be moved out of the quarantine area. Washing the fruit is a good extra precaution to take.

Plants and fruit can be moved within the quarantine zone

Plant material (whole plants, leaves) from backyard citrus or curry leaf plants may be transported within the quarantine area.

Plants can NOT be moved out of the quarantine zone

Plant material other than fruit (whole plants, leaves) from backyard citrus or curry leaf plants can NOT be transported out of the area. However, it CAN be put into local green waste collection.

Last updated: November 2018