San Benito County’s boundaries for the light brown apple moth
quarantine have expanded and now include much of the northern
section of the county.
The third discovery of the light brown apple moth in a trap on
Grant Road just off Fallon Road occurred May 15, Agriculture
Commissioner Paul Matulich told supervisors Tuesday. With any new
presence, the California Department of Food and Agriculture
requires a quarantine around the affected area.
San Benito County’s boundaries for the light brown apple moth quarantine have expanded and now include much of the northern section of the county.
The third discovery of the light brown apple moth in a trap on Grant Road just off Fallon Road occurred May 15, Agriculture Commissioner Paul Matulich told supervisors Tuesday. With any new presence, the California Department of Food and Agriculture requires a quarantine around the affected area.
Under a quarantine, vegetation would have to be approved before it is moved outside of the area. Growers with host products must sign a compliance agreement, while growers with exempt products have to undergo a specific management program, Matulich said.
The prior quarantine covered much of the City of Hollister, along with some areas to the north, east and south. The new quarantine area just about doubles the size of the prior one.
Matulich told supervisors this week he expects the entire county will be under quarantine at some point.
“Eventually, it’s going to take the whole county,” he said.
Matulich also said he believes requirements for the apple moth are overblown.
“In my opinion, this moth is no worse than others,” he said.
The moth feasts on up to 250 different plants such as cherries, grapes, apricots and apples. First discovered in California in early 2007, the light brown apple moth is a native of Australia.
Host materials for the apple moth
– All live nursery plants
– All fresh green waste material and plant cuttings
– All fresh garlands, wreaths and cut flowers
– All harvested fruits and vegetables except some commercially produced crops
– Potential carriers include machinery such as tractors and pruning equipment
Source: California Department of Food and Agriculture
