LAKE COUNTY – A discovery in neighboring Napa County last October brought to light the first known appearance in the United States of an invasive grape pest, and local officials plan to meet and discuss detection and prevention measures this month.

A single European grapevine moth – whose scientific name is Lobesia botrana – was detected in the Oakville region of Napa County, along with larvae, according to an October report from Napa County Agricultural Commissioner Dave Whitmer.

Whitmer said it was the first known detection of the moth in the United States.

The moth also is found in Europe, the Mediterranean, southern Russian, Japan, the Middle East, Near East and northern and western Africa, officials reported.

Since its initial discovery, numerous moths have been found not just in Oakville but the Coombsville region of Napa County, according to the Napa County Agricultural Commissioner's Office.

Napa County agriculture officials are working with the US Department of Agriculture and the California Department of Food and Agriculture to trap and survey in the Oakville area in an attempt to locate any additional European grapevine moths.

In addition, regulatory and quarantine actions are under review for Napa County, officials reported.

Lake County Agricultural Commissioner Steve Hajik said his department is monitoring the situation.

The Lake County Agriculture Department will hold a meeting from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 26, at the Finley Grange, 1510 Big Valley Road, to discuss its response and detection plan for the moth.

Biologist Dr. Lucia Varela of University of California, Davis, a noted expert on grape pests and North Coast integrated pest management advisor, and CDFA representatives will be in attendance at the Feb. 26 meeting to discuss and review pesticide controls for the European grapevine moth.

Studies of the European grapevine moth internationally show that larve feed primarily on the flowers and fruit of the grape; however, they also will feed on a number of other hosts including olives, blackberries, cherries, nectarines, persimmons and pomegranates.

Hajik reported that his department has applied for continuing education hours for the Feb. 26 meeting, but those credits have not yet been confirmed.

The Lake County Agriculture Department urges local commerical growers and wineries, as well as home winemakers, to attend the meeting.

For more information contact the department at telephone 707-263-0217.

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