Invasive Pest Found on Costco Plants a Threat to California Wine Country Vineyards, Officials Warn
Officials have destroyed 63 infected plants and are trying to find 157 missing grapevines as residents are told to isolate suspect vines.
- On Tuesday, agricultural officials issued an urgent alert after inspectors detected the invasive glassy-winged sharpshooter in grapevines sold at Costco across multiple Northern California counties including Napa, Sonoma, Marin, Solano, Yolo, and Sacramento.
- Fresno County-based Burchell Nursery, Inc. shipped 220 grapevines to Costco between April 21 and late May, with all life stages of the pest detected on multiple shipments distributed statewide.
- Inspectors have destroyed 63 infected plants after identifying at least one egg mass, while 160 grapevines were destroyed at Sacramento Costco locations, leaving 157 plants unaccounted for in local yards and gardens.
- The glassy-winged sharpshooter spreads Pierce's disease, which can kill grapevines and damage almonds, citrus, and ornamental plants; residents who purchased plants since April 21 must isolate them in double garbage bags and contact inspectors immediately, while Costco is reimbursing customers.
- Napa County Agricultural Commissioner Tracy Cleveland said crews are racing to track down missing plants before vineyards suffer wider damage, as the sharpshooter's superior flight capability threatens hundreds of California crops including almonds, alfalfa, peaches and plums.
33 Articles
33 Articles
San Joaquin County ag commissioner urges residents to report possible invasive pest
STOCKTON — The San Joaquin County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office is urging residents to take immediate precautions after the invasive glassy-winged sharpshooter was discovered on grape plants sold at Costco stores throughout Northern California, including the Central Valley.
Nor Cal Authorities Find Invasive Insect on Plants Sold at Costco
Authorities in Northern California are warning residents after a dangerous invasive insect was discovered on plants sold at Costco stores. Agriculture officials in multiple counties say glassy-winged sharpshooters were found on grapevines and citrus plants purchased from the retailer. The insect poses a serious threat to California agriculture because it spreads diseases that can destroy grapevines and damage crops. Officials traced the insects …
Invasive pest found on Costco grapevines and citrus sold across California
Shasta County officials are urging residents who bought grapevines or citrus plants from California Costco stores since April 21 to follow special containment and inspection procedures due to the detection of invasive glassy-winged sharpshooters, which threaten local agriculture.
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