Topline:
A quarantine for the fungal citrus pathogen known as sweet orange scab, has expanded into Los Angeles and Ventura counties as multiple infected trees have been discovered, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Quarantines are already in place in Orange and Imperial counties.
Symptoms: Indicators of sweet orange scab include pustules on leaves that initially look like water spots and scabs on young fruit that can spread and eventually crack. While the inside of the fruit might be OK, the pathogen can lead to premature fruit drop and limit the growth of young trees. Tangerines and sweet oranges are particularly vulnerable. If you need help identifying the fungus, the USDA has a handy visual guide.
How does it spread? Via spores from the fungus Elsinöe australis, which can be transferred between trees by green waste, plant boxes and pruning equipment.
If you have it: Although there’s currently no treatment available, according to the USDA, unlike with citrus greening disease, you do not have to remove trees on your property if they’re infected. Remove and dispose of the fruit, and thoroughly sanitize any equipment that comes in contact with the infected plant matter…