Tag: Napa

Invasive pest found on Costco plants a threat to California Wine Country vineyards, officials warn

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brown bug in close up photography

Authorities in Northern California alerted residents on Tuesday about an invasive species found on plants from Costco that could threaten the region’s vineyards and other agriculture in the region. Agriculture officials in Marin, Napa, Nevada and Solano counties issued a consumer alert “urgently asking residents to take immediate action” after glassy-winged sharpshooters were found on grapevines and citrus plants delivered to Costco stores. 

The Napa County Farm Bureau said in a press release that all life stages of the insect were detected on grape vine shipments from Fresno County-based Burchell Nursery to multiple counties, including Marin, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, Yolo and other counties not named. Marin Agricultural Commissioner Joe Deviney said in a press statement that Burchell Nursery was required by state quarantine laws to notify ag offices before shipping, “and that did not occur.”  “Costco is not at fault here, and they’ve been an exceptional partner throughout this process,” Deviney added.

“They acted quickly, cooperated fully, and helped us reach customers as fast as possible.” Costco was directly contacting customers who purchased affected plants within the timeframe, Deviney said. The glassy-winged sharpshooter (Homalodisca vitripennis) is a large leafhopper insect native to the southeastern United States. First detected in California in the late 1980s, it has since become one of the state’s most significant agricultural threats for its role as a vector for a deadly plant bacterium that causes Pierce’s disease which fatally dehydrates grapevines.   

Source: Invasive pest found on Costco plants a threat to California Wine Country vineyards, officials warn – CBS San Francisco

Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
Psalm 37:7

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