California confirmed its first-ever detection of Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease, in Imperial County — specifically on a residential property in Calexico. State and federal agencies have removed the infected tree, launched inspections within a 250-meter radius, and established a mandatory quarantine zone with a 5-mile radius around the site. No citrus nursery stock or plant parts may leave the restricted area, and commercial fruit can only move out after cleaning and packing.
HLB is considered the most destructive citrus disease in the world — there is no cure, and infected trees eventually die. The detection follows the first trapping of an Asian Citrus Psyllid carrying HLB bacteria in Calexico back in November 2025. California already has six active HLB quarantine zones across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura counties, where more than 10,700 infected trees have been removed since 2012.
Imperial County sits adjacent to major Coachella Valley citrus-growing territory, making this detection worth watching closely. Any spread into commercial groves could affect supply and add compliance costs for growers and shippers operating in or near the region.