Consumer Alert: Residents Urged to Take Precautions After Invasive Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter Detected
YubaNet • • business
Key Points:
- The invasive glassy-winged sharpshooter, which spreads the deadly Pierce’s disease to grapevines and damages other plants, was detected on grape plants sold at Marysville Costco stores.
- Local agricultural officials urge anyone who purchased grape or citrus plants from the Marysville Costco since May 21 to contact their county agricultural commissioner to prevent further spread.
- Residents are advised not to return, transport, or dispose of the plants in trash or compost but to follow specific containment and inspection procedures provided by agricultural authorities.
- The glassy-winged sharpshooter, native to the southeastern US and Mexico, threatens California’s grape industry and ornamental plants, having been established in parts of central and southern California since the 1990s.
- Officials emphasize community cooperation to limit the pest’s spread and protect vineyards and home gardens, especially to prevent its expansion into the Bay Area.