Santa Cruz County agricultural officials are urging residents to check recently purchased grape plants after the invasive glassy-winged sharpshooter insect was discovered on grapevines sold at Costco stores across the San Francisco Bay Area.
The Santa Cruz Costco store was among those that received these grape plants from a wholesale nursery store in Fresno County, according to a Santa Cruz County media release.
The insect, a type of leafhopper, can spread Pierce’s disease, which threatens grapevines and other agricultural and ornamental plants.
Anyone who purchased grape plants from Costco on or after April 21 is advised to not move or dispose of the plant, cover the plant securely with two garbage bags, and contact the Santa Cruz County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office at 831-763-8080 or Agc002@agdept.com for inspection instructions.
In a media release, David Sanford, Santa Cruz County’s agricultural commissioner, said his agency is working closely with Costco, as well as state and local partners, to identify affected plants and safeguard agriculture.
This issue involves grape plants intended for planting, not grapes sold for consumption.
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