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Ramona Today
By the People, for the People
Citrus Greening Disease Detected in Ramona
State officials warn of dangers to citrus industry from moving fruit outside quarantine areas.
Published on Mar. 6, 2026
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The California Department of Food and Agriculture has declared a new citrus quarantine in Ramona after two citrus trees tested positive for Huanglongbing, a citrus greening disease. This is the first HLB quarantine in the Ramona area, adding to existing quarantines in other parts of San Diego County. Officials say HLB is a major threat to the county's $144 million annual citrus crop and could be devastating to the industry.
Why it matters
Citrus greening disease, also known as Huanglongbing (HLB), is a serious threat to California's citrus industry. The disease is spread by tiny insects called Asian citrus psyllids and can destroy the appearance and value of citrus trees, eventually killing them within a few years. The new quarantine in Ramona aims to limit the spread of HLB and protect the region's citrus production.
The details
The California Department of Food and Agriculture declared the new citrus quarantine in Ramona after two residential citrus trees tested positive for HLB. This adds to existing quarantines in other parts of San Diego County, including Oceanside, Rancho Bernardo, Valley Center and Fallbrook. The quarantine restricts people and businesses from moving citrus nursery stock, plant parts and fruit outside the quarantine boundaries in order to protect the region's citrus industry. Signs of infected trees include mottled-yellow leaves and asymmetrical, partially green and bitter fruit.
- The new citrus quarantine in Ramona was declared this week by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
The players
California Department of Food and Agriculture
The state agency that declared the new citrus quarantine in Ramona after two residential citrus trees tested positive for Huanglongbing, a citrus greening disease.
Ha Dang
The Agricultural Commissioner who stated that valuable lessons from Florida's experience with HLB have helped limit the disease's destruction of California's citrus industry so far.
What they’re saying
“'Valuable lessons from Florida's devastating HLB experience have shaped the way California regulates and responds to citrus threats. So far, this has helped limit the HLB destruction of California's citrus industry.'”
— Ha Dang, Agricultural Commissioner (San Diego Union-Tribune)
What’s next
If the disease is detected in additional citrus trees in the quarantine area, CDFA officials will contact property owners regarding treatment and removal of infected trees. Nearby trees will also be treated and survey efforts will be increased to prevent further spread of the disease.
The takeaway
The new citrus quarantine in Ramona highlights the ongoing threat of citrus greening disease to California's $144 million annual citrus crop. While the state has so far been able to limit the damage compared to Florida, vigilance and cooperation from residents and businesses will be crucial to protecting the region's valuable citrus industry.
