Mar 28, 2007 10:12 pm US/Pacific
Destructive Brown Moth Emerges In Bay Area
by Ann Notarangelo
CONCORD (CBS 5) ―
-
-
Light Brown Apple Moth
University of Kentucky
Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner Ed Meyer showed us the map that keeps track of how many light brown apple moths have been found in the county.
Since last month 8 have been trapped in western Contra Costa, 33 in Alameda County and just recently 16 in San Francisco.
The light brown, yellowish moth is established in Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand. But this the first time it's been found in the continental U.S.
"The moth is an agricultural pest but it's also a plant pest, it gets into landscaping," Meyer said.
It attacks 250 plant species. As the name indicates, the moth likes apple trees, but it also likes camellias, roses, jasmine and grapes.
Even minor damage could cost California $130 million, and the state's already vulnerable. Oaks could be hit hard.
"This is one more thing that is affecting our native landscape as well as our agriculture," Meyer said.
In addition to checking traps regularly, ag officials are visiting nurseries to determine where the light brown apple moth is already living.
An inspector visited Annie's Annuals in Richmond on Wednesday morning. The nursery sells thousands of varieties of plants and ships them throughout the country.
"We don't have it and we don't have anythig to worry about at this point," said Jen McFarland of Annie's Annuals. "But they did say they would contact us further and give us an update on what we need to be looking for."
While the parameters of quarantine are worked out, the California Department of Food and Agriculture has issued several regulations. They're asking nurseries to inspect plants. Some fruits and vegetables should not be removed from community gardens. Landscapers are being told to take green waste to approved locations. And home owners are asked to not remove plants from their property.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Click to enlarge
Electronic Arts Plans Layoffs After Q2 Losses 41 mins ago
CBS 5 Reporter Kicked Out Of SF City Hall 30 mins ago 
Stumble It!
Comments