Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter

Tim Hammerich

News Reporter

Yesterday we reported on the success of controlling the glassy-winged sharpshooter and, in turn, Pierce’s Disease over the past couple of decades. Craig Hanes is the statewide coordinator for the CDFA’s Pierce’s Degree Control Program. He says there’s more work to be done.

Hanes… “The area-wide programs, which are basically programs where we are doing vector management of the glassy-winged sharpshooter, trapping citrus and graves in the Southern San Joaquin valley. In particular Kern, Tulare, Fresno, and then into Madeira county a little bit as well though, Kern and Tulare are the primary focus counties. Starting last year, we certainly had an increased number of sharpshooters found in these areas. So I know that that's certainly something that is a challenge, if you will, right now. Probably one of the bigger challenges on the program side.”

Hanes said that collaboration has been key to the success so far, and he sees that continuing.

Hanes… “We continue just to be a very cooperative program. And by working together, as I know I've mentioned the high area wide counts that happened last year. I know, obviously in response to that, of course, we want to go ahead and make adjustments working together to basically respond accordingly. We're a mature program, if you will, surely doesn't mean other variables don't change over time and we continue to work together for a prosperous program.”

Contact information for the Pierce’s Disease Control Program can be found on the CDFA website.