Local news- Press Release
Napa County California - Significant Grape Pest found in Napa County Western Grapeleaf Skeletonizer is not native to the area 20 May 2022 ( news )
Napa County , state California ( By Press Release office)
May 20,2022
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NAPA , CA
– On May 12 , Insect trapper Jesse Guidi discovered a single adult Western Grapeleaf Skeletonizer in an insect trap near Dollarhide Road , Pope Valley . Napa County Agricultural Commissioner Tracy Cleveland is asking growers and gardeners to watch for all larval ( caterpillar ) stages of this injurious moth .
“This is a destructive and serious pest , ” Cleveland said . “All larval life stages are voracious feeders that cause extensive damage to grape leaves , including partial or complete defoliation of grapevines . Excessive feeding can damage fruit and lead to secondary fungal damage . We do not want this pest to become established in Napa County . ”
Mr . Guidi discovered the adult Western Grapeleaf Skeletonizer on a yellow - panel sticky trap generally used to monitor for the Glassy - winged Sharpshooter . Pest detection trappers in the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office are increasing trap density by deploying 25 additional traps within a mile radius of the Pope Valley find .
Although the pest is not native to Napa County , it has been found here a number of times in the past , most recently in the same area adjacent to Tubbs Lane in June 2018 . Native to Arizona and New Mexico , it was first discovered in California in the 1940s and eventually spread throughout the state , particularly in the Central Valley .
Damage caused by the Western Grapeleaf Skeletonizer is relatively easy to detect . When it feeds on grapevines , it leaves only the veins behind , producing a very distinctive , lacy skeletal appearance .
This pest may also be found on Boston Ivy and Virginia Creeper . The larval stage is distinguished by colored bands around the body . For more information and photos , please visit the
University of California Integrated Pest Management ( UCIPM ) website
.
“If you suspect you may have found a Western Grapeleaf Skeletonizer caterpillar or adult moth , please bring it in to our office immediately , or contact us in order to help identify it , ” said Cleveland .
We also strongly encourage all growers , vineyard managers , wineries , and residents , who may be transporting farm equipment or winegrapes into Napa County to inspect these items to ensure that they are free from Western Grapeleaf Skeletonizer or any winegrape pests .
For more information , please call the Agricultural Department at ( 707 ) 253 - 4357 .
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