Sharpshooter Find Sparks State Concern
California agricultural officials are sounding the alarm after invasive glassy-winged sharpshooters were discovered on grapevine plants sold through select Costco stores across northern California.
According to multiple county agricultural commissioners, the insects were found on grapevine shipments distributed from a Fresno County nursery to Costco locations beginning in April. Counties including Marin, Solano, San Mateo, Sacramento, San Joaquin, and others have now issued urgent public alerts. Officials say the pest is a major concern because it spreads Pierce’s disease, a bacterial infection that can kill grapevines and threaten California’s wine industry.
San Mateo County Agricultural Commissioner Koren Widdel said, “Preventing further spread is critical.” Solano County Agricultural Commissioner Ed King called the insect a “serious and immediate threat” to vineyards and backyard plants.
Officials say anyone who purchased grapevines from Central Valley Costco locations on or after April 21 should contact their local county agricultural commissioner’s office for guidance to help stop the pest from spreading further. Costco is reportedly cooperating with state and county officials throughout the response effort.
For more information, visit the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Pierce’s Disease Control Program online at cdfa.ca.gov.
