Jan 7, 2013

California lifts European grapevine moth quarantine in four counties

California state and federal agricultural officials are lifting the European grapevine moth (EGVM) quarantine in Santa Clara, Nevada, and Santa Cruz counties, and a portion of Sonoma county. This action is the result of progress with regulatory and control efforts, and the vigilance of growers and local communities to reduce the presence of this grapevine pest, according to a California Department of Food and Agriculture release.

“I’m very pleased with the progress that California grape growers, local communities, and regulatory officials are having in reducing the presence of this pest,” said Karen Ross CDFA secretary. “By removing these counties from quarantine, we are a step closer to eliminating European grapevine moth in California.”

Approximately 317,000 acres are released from quarantine. The quarantine remains in place for all of Napa County as well as portions of Sonoma and Solano counties. The portions of Sonoma and Solano counties covered by the quarantine reflect an area within three miles of a Napa County EGVM find site.

Maps of the remaining quarantine area (approximately 439,000 acres) and related information may be found online here.

The quarantines affect farmers as well as those who harvest, transport and otherwise process or handle grapes and other crops. These growers and business people sign compliance agreements that indicate how crops, vehicles, equipment and related articles are to be handled and tracked during the quarantine.

Residents are also affected by the quarantine. CDFA works with residents to remove the grapes and flowers from their homegrown grapevines. For those who prefer to harvest their grapes, the vines may be treated with the organic-approved pesticide Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis).

EGVM, or Lobesia botrana, is found in southern Asia, Japan, Europe, North Africa, Anatolia, the Caucasus and in South America. The pest primarily damages grapes, but has also been known to feed on other crops and plants.