Tiny Pest Poses $12 Million Threat to Tri-Valley Economy

Even if you’re not a wine drinker, you have to appreciate what the wine industry does for the Livermore Valley. The 2013 wine harvest was valued at $12 million. Tourism pumps additional revenue into the economy.

Now that’s being threatened by a tiny pest—the glassy-winged sharpshooter. The grapevine killer showed up in Marin County in a nursery shipment late last month. The shipment was returned to Southern California, but agriculture officials are being extra cautious in case some of the pests escaped.

The glassy-winged sharpshooter is known to feed on more than 300 plants, including grapevines. Deputy Agricultural Commissioner Stefan Parnay said the bug is particularly hazardous to grapes because it can transmit the bacteria that causes Pierce’s disease. “There’s no cure for that, and it will kill the grapevine,” Parnay said.

At 3 Steves Winery on Greenfield Road in Livermore, co-owner and winemaker Steve Ziganti depends on the expertise of the Department of Agriculture to protect his vines, “The Department of Ag comes out and inspects a couple times a year.” When asked specifically about the glassy-winged sharpshooter, Ziganti said, “Not here.”

Contra Costa County successfully eradicated a glassy-winged sharpshooter infestation in 2001, while Santa Clara County has been battling the pest since 2008.

The glassy-winged sharpshooter is half an inch long and an eighth-inch wide, roughly the size of the width of a dime. If you see the pest, report it to the Alameda County Department of Agriculture at (510) 670-5232.

Wine sales for California as a whole reached $23.1 billion in 2013, according to the Wine Institute.

Also on Patch:

Pleasanton Home Depot Loss Prevention Officer Injured After Being Struck by Car Following Attempted Theft of Power Tools

Father Foils Carjacking at Stoneridge Mall, Robbed by 2 Shotgun-Wielding Suspects

Sea Lion Population Swells to 170 at The Marine Mammal Center

East Bay SPCA’s Pet of the Week

You’ve Never Heard “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” Like This

Join Pleasanton Rotary at the Gala Dinner

Great Job Quarry Lane Speech and Debate Team!

Support Lacrosse in Pleasanton!