Press Release

 

************* NEWS RELEASE *************

Contact:
Cathy V. Neville, Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer
(707) 565-2371

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2010

 

 

 

Three More European Grapevine Moths Detected in Sonoma County

This invasive moth is a known grape pest

(SONOMA COUNTY, California) – Three more European grapevine moths (EGVM), Lobesia botrana, were detected on April 16 and 18, 2010 in Sonoma County. The moths were officially confirmed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) on April 19, 2010. Two of the moths were detected in east Sonoma, and another one was detected in the Kenwood area. These new EGVM finds will establish two new quarantine areas in Sonoma County, which will include approximately 9,000 acres of vineyards. The exact quarantine boundary lines have not been established yet.

In response to these finds, the Sonoma County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office is contacting the affected growers. We will be holding mandatory outreach meetings to put growers on compliance agreements to ensure the movement of certified products, and to prevent the spread of this serious pest. We will also meet with city officials to ensure the community is aware of the quarantine requirements.

The trap density will be increased from 16 to 25 traps per square mile in the impending quarantine areas to detect any additional EGVM. Two moths found within three miles of each other within one lifecycle cause a quarantine to be established by USDA and CDFA

As of April 19, 2010, there have been over ten thousand EGVM male moths trapped in Napa County. These finds have led to a significant portion of Napa County being placed under quarantine. On April 4, 2010, three EGVM were detected in the Calistoga area of Napa County, very close to the Sonoma County line. These finds will expand the quarantine from Napa into Knight’s Valley. Approximately 1,000 acres of vineyards will be under quarantine.

In mid-October 2009, adult moths and multiple larvae were detected in a vineyard in the Oakville area of Napa County. This was the first known find of this pest in North America. A 10 acre vineyard had 100% crop loss due to the insect burrowing into the fruit. Feeding damage by the European grapevine moth causes severe Botrytis (fungal rot) infections, and larvae in infested clusters leave webbing and excrement in ripening fruit.

European grapevine moth is a significant pest found in Europe, the Middle East, Russia, and northern and western Africa. In 2008, it was also found in Chile. The primary host is grapes, and larvae feed exclusively on grape flowers and fruit.

If you would like additional information, please visit our website or contact the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office at (707) 565-2371.