As Apple Moth Threatens Napa Grapes, Local Officials Plan to Take Action
Napa County officials have announced that they will begin using organic pesticides to combat the light brown apple moth. The initial spraying will be concentrated on a small stretch of land near Highway 29 and Lincoln Avenue.
Although there are many homes in the area, a spokeswoman for Napa County stressed that Bacillus thuringiensis is, “approved for use in organic growing facilities so it is on the benign end of the scale, which is encouraging.” Even still, concerned residents can attend a meeting about the issue at West Park Elementary School on June 12th at 7 pm.
Native to Australia, the light brown apple moth has spread to New Zealand, Hawaii and the British Isles. It was recently discovered in a number of Bay Area Counties including the backyard of a West Napa home. The moth feeds on several different crops including citrus, cherries, apples and grapes.
Hopefully the use of Bacillus thuringiensis will stop the moth from spreading any more than it already has. With the total value of Napa County agriculture at around $477 million in 2006, it is little surprise that the threat is being taken very seriously.
Related Articles
Comments & Reviews
November 27, 2008 | bluelinerx
I work for a company that has the technology to combat such pests. our patented polymodal biological sensor can detect nearly anything biological. with these sensors deployed you would see a dramatic reduction in the use of pesticides.
You must login to comment.