A pest that can wreak havoc on agriculture has been found on plants sold at Costco stores throughout California, including in Redding. The Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter is a winged insect that spreads a bacterium called Xylella Fastidiosa, which causes “Pierce’s Disease”. It can kill grapevines and seriously damage vineyards. The Shasta County Agriculture Commissioner has issued an urgent alert for anyone who may have purchased grapevines or citrus plants from Costco since April 21st to take immediate action to prevent the spread of the Sharpshooter. The plants should be contained within two garbage bags and secured tightly, after which the Agriculture Department can be contacted for further guidance at 224-4949 or shastaag@shastacounty.gov.
-Steve Gibson