Recent discoveries of light brown apple moths in San Juan Bautista and the Sunnyslope area of Hollister are expected to force an expansion of the local quarantine area in place to stop the spread of the destructive insect.
Approximately one dozen of the moths have been found by local, state and federal agriculture officials in traps throughout San Benito County, according to Agriculture Commissioner Paul Matulich.
The moth, which is native to Australia and is found in New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Hawaii, can feed on more than 2,000 plant species and 250 crops, according to the state department of food and agriculture. When it feeds on hosts, such as ornamental plants, citrus, grapes and deciduous fruit crops, it can damage them or spoil their appearance.
"Right now, we're just trapping and identifying the moths," said Matulich, who added that the state is planning to release sterile insects in the Napa Valley in the coming months. The sterile moths may be released elsewhere later, though that may hinge on a draft environmental impact report for the Light Brown Apple Moth program that is in the midst of a 60-day public review period that ends Sept. 28.
As of July 31, nearly 3,500 square miles were under apple moth quarantine in California, where more than 110,000 of the insects have been trapped. The quarantine regulations prohibit the movement of all nursery stock, cut flowers, and fruits and vegetables that host the moth unless they have been certified as pest-free by an agriculture official; is purchased at a retail outlet; or was produced outside of the area "and is passing through in accordance with accepted safeguards."
Matulich said the recent apple moth discoveries in San Benito County will likely expand the quarantine area south past Ridgemark and east toward Best Road.
For the full story, see the Pinnacle on Friday.
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