|
|
Apple moths spread in California |
 |
+ |
- |
15:47, July 10, 2007 |
The light brown apple moth, which was spotted in San Francisco earlier this year, has spread to other areas in California, state officials said on Monday.
The moth, a pest that attacks a variety of crops, was previously detected in nine San Francisco and Central Coast counties, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
But other areas including Sherman Oaks and Solano County in northern California aslo reported sightings of apple moths, it said.
Agriculture officials have issued warnings for residents and nurseries to inspect retail plant nurseries in these areas.
Farmers would be asked to remove affected plants and sign compliance agreements assuring that plants being sold are free of the pest. Wholesale nurseries will sign agreements to ensure that they will inspect plants before shipment.
Residents in the areas were asked to avoid removing any plants or plant parts from their property, including fruit and flowers. Landscaping and lawn-maintenance companies were asked to haul green waste only to approved locations, such as landfills, compost facilities and biomass facilities.
The moth is native to Australia, but is found in New Zealand, Ireland, Britain and Hawaii. More than 250 plant species are known to be susceptible to attack by the pest. Most notable fruits that can be affected are peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries, apricots, apples, pears, grapes and citrus.
The pest destroys or deforms young seedlings, spoils the appearance of ornamental plants and injures deciduous fruit-tree crops, citrus and grapes.
Source: Xinhua
|
|
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article