This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
Citrus tree disease expands in LA and Orange counties
An orange pockmarked and scarred by sweet orange scab, a fungal disease.
(
U.S. Department of Agriculture
)
Topline:
Sweet orange scab, a plant disease that can harm citrus trees, continues to expand in our region. The California Department of Food and Agriculture recently expanded a quarantine in parts of L.A. and Orange counties.
What is it? SOS is a fungal pathogen that causes young citrus fruit to look scarred. The disease can lead to premature fruit drop and stunt the growth of young trees. Tangerines, sweet oranges and other citrus are at risk.
Where is it? After it was previously found in L.A. and Ventura counties last year, sweet orange scab has expanded into both the Irvine and La Puente areas. Officials expanded the quarantine zone to include those areas, which means residents should not move plants.
You can visit the CDFA’s website to see a map of currently quarantined areas.
What if your tree has it? There isn’t currently a treatment for SOS, but you don’t have to pull your tree out and can still eat the fruit. You can call the CDFA’s pest hotline at (800) 491-1899 to report any trees you suspect have the disease.
Why it matters: The CDFA said quarantine areas have expanded to try to keep the disease away from commercial growers. SOS can cause blemishes, lesions and other symptoms on citrus fruit, and no one wants to buy scabbed fruit.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
