Final EIR: Apple Moth Battle

The light brown apple moth, the agricultural demon that was found in Manteca has created quite a rush for those in the area. The California Department of Food and Agriculture reported that the eradication program was “less likely” to cause human harm or environmental damage than not taking the action. Reasoning was that if the infestation had spread, more harsh chemicals and pesticides would have been required.

It was stated that if the moth were to become established, that a production loss of over $100 million could be the result of inaction.

The CDFA has considered that using pheromone twist ties on areas where the moth’s breeding occurs will best serve in disrupting the wild moth breeding activity.
The agencies final EIR is available at www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/PDEP/lbam/envimpactrpt.html. If you would like more information you can contact Yolo County Agriculture Commissioner John Young (530) 666-8148.

California Agriculture Fights Back Against the Nipomo Apple Moth

Residents in the Nipomo Mesa area are being contacted with some rather interesting and annoying news. Recently, the California Department of Food and Agriculture has announced that is planning a stealthy, safe approach to eliminating a new threat to the Nipomo area.

What’s known as The Light Brown Apple Moth was found in two places earlier this month, once near the Blacklake Golf Courses, and also again around Cypress Ridge. Below, a picture of this invasive species shows how the specie feeds on different plant species, 123 plants to be exact.

Most agricultural followers may remember the discover of the apple moth arising in California in 2007. This time, the California Department of Food and Agriculture plan to place twist ties that secrete a female moth pheromone that will disorient the apple moth and not allow it to find mates, thus eliminating the breeding rate, according to one Rich Little, Deputy County Agriculture Commissioner.

These Apple Moths are originally from Australia, and while can be a problem is uncontrolled, Little believes that establishing a plan of action will greatly reduce the danger that this little moth could impose on an already suffering agriculture in California. Nipomo Mesa residents should not worry about the pheromone release as will not affect humans, except for specific individuals with certain allergy conditions says Little.

For more information you may go to www.cdfa.ca.gov//lbam.