Growers in
California counties infested by the light brown apple moth (LBAM) will likely not be able to export host material to
Mexico and
Canada.
Exports of propagative material and most fruits and vegetables to
Mexico are not possible from any of the
California quarantined counties, after the country beefed up quarantine requirements.
Canada is considering restricting exports of cut flowers and greens from quarantined
California counties. The new requirements may also lead to additional pesticide applications to ensure that growers can continue to ship their goods to trading partners, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).
California agricultural exports to the two countries totaled more than $2.4 billion in 2006.
A cooperative eradication program run jointly by CDFA and the USDA is in progress. Since its detection in February 2007, the LBAM has been found in
Monterey,
Santa Cruz,
Santa Clara,
San Mateo, Contra Costa, Marin,
San Francisco,
Alameda and Solano counties. All counties are quarantined for the pest.
Small, isolated infestations detected last year in
Los Angeles and
Napa counties have been eradicated.
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For more: CDFA, (800) 491-1899; www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/PDEP/lbam/lbam_main.html.