The Contra Costa County Department of Agriculture is warning consumers to be on the lookout for an invasive insect — the glassy-winged sharpshooter — that was found on grapevines sold at five Costco stores countywide, including the Richmond location.
The glassy-winged sharpshooter is an invasive leafhopper originally found in the southeastern United States and Mexico. It was first detected in California in the 1990s and has since become established in parts of central and southern California.
It feeds on more than 300 plant species, including grapevines, citrus, almonds, and many ornamental plants commonly used in landscaping. In grapevines it transmits the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, which causes Pierce’s disease — a condition that diminishes vine health and kill the plant, posing a threat to Contra Costa County’s wine businesses and overall agricultural industry. It’s not dangerous to humans or pets.
“The glassy-winged sharpshooter poses an immediate and serious threat to grapevines and agricultural landscapes throughout Contra Costa County,” said Matt Slattengren, Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner.
The infestation is part of a broader statewide incident involving shipments from Burchell Nursery, Inc. in Oakdale, according to a Sacramento Bee article, and distributed to multiple counties. According to the Bee, the University of California reported the disease destroyed more than 1,000 acres of grapevines in Northern California from 1994 to 2008, causing $30 million in damage.
of watery, sugary liquid that leaves behind a sticky white residue that can damage fruit and blemish cars or patio furniture. Courtesy of Contra Costa County
An estimated 200 plants were sold in Contra Costa County before the insect was detected. The plants were also distributed in Danville, Concord, Brentwood and Antioch. The unsold inventory was destroyed.
Anyone who bought a grapevine at one of the affected Costco locations after April 21 is urged to contact the county immediately and to not move the plant or throw it away.
Costco is also attempting to contact customers who purchased the plants.
Did you buy grapevines from a Contra Costa County Costco?
Call the Contra Costa County Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures at 925-608-6600 to schedule a pickup of your grapevines and to learn how to prevent a local infestation.
Keep the plant in its original pot or container and away from other plants.
Do not put the plant in the ground.
If possible, place the plant in two trash bags, one inside the other, and seal them.
Do not return, transport or relocate the plants.
Do not place plants in a trash or compost bin.
