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Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM) Detection and Exclusion Program
HistorySince March 2007, when Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM), an invasive pest native to Australia, was confirmed for the first time in California and the continental United States, we have been placing and servicing traps to detect LBAM. Additionally, we have been providing outreach to the community, the agricultural and nursery industries, and responding to general inquiries. In 2008 two LBAM, the first in Sonoma County, were confirmed near Boyes Hot Springs which triggered state and federal quarantines in Sonoma County. These quarantines restrict the movement of fruits, vegetables, plants, and related articles. During the second half of 2008, there were several LBAM found in the Carneros Winegrape region near the Sonoma/Napa county line creating a new quarantine area. General InformationUnder state law, California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) has the responsibility and authority to control and eradicate invasive pests in California (Food and Agricultural Code Section 5321-5323). CDFA stated the following in a letter to Assemblymember Noreen Evans on March 23, 2009: “Aerial applications for Light Brown Apple Moth pheromone mating disruption are not being applied in California. Aerial applications of pheromone mating disruption techniques will only be utilized in forested or inaccessible areas, which the department has not identified at this time.” The Sonoma County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office is responsible for the detection of noxious pests in the county, and education and outreach to the community and agricultural industry regarding these pests and the quarantine restrictions. We are working directly with agriculture and related industries to help them meet state and/or federal requirements to move their commodities, and to ensure their business is impacted as little as possible. LBAM has been detected in several other counties in the State. Visit CDFA’s website for current quarantine information and county maps. LBAM has a host range of more than two-thousand plant species known to be susceptible to attack by this pest, and more than 250 crops. The moth injures grapes, citrus, and deciduous fruit tree crops; feeds on host plants favored by a number of endangered species; and spoils the appearance of ornamental plants. It also threatens California’s environment—including, redwood, oak, and cypress trees—by destroying, stunting or deforming young seedlings and damaging new growth in the forest canopy. Current Status of LBAM in Sonoma CountyAs of May 17, 2010, there have been 224 LBAM found in various parts of Sonoma County. Recent LBAM detections have lead to expansion of the quarantine boundaries and combining of quarantine areas. Currently there are two quarantine areas in Sonoma County: one very large area that includes Healdsburg to the north, Sebastopol to the west, the County line to the south, and the Carneros region to the east and a second area centered around Kenwood. There are approximately 24,000 acres of crops and 109 nurseries under State LBAM Quarantine. The Agricultural Commissioner’s Office has responded by:
CDFA has responded by:
Please contact our office at (707) 565-2371 for the latest information on LBAM Maps of Quarantine Areas in Sonoma County
Shipment of Winegrapes Out of Sonoma CountyIf you fall into one of the following categories:
Please call the Ag. Commissioner’s office at (707) 565-2373, and leave a voice message with the following information:
More information on the LBAM quarantine LBAM Information for Winegrapes
List of Businesses Issued Compliance AgreementsThis list includes businesses that are authorized to move and/or receive commodities from within the quarantine areas in Sonoma County as specified under compliance agreement. List of Businesses LBAM Quarantine Restriction Information for the General Public
Other Links
Press Releases
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