Mexico, Canada restrict LBAM hosts from California

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.

May 2008