The invasive European grapevine moth, detected in Napa County in 2009, has been eradicated in California, according to state, county and U.S. agricultural officials. The moth, native to southern Europe, spread to nine other counties before a multi-year campaign contained and then exterminated it.
“It is no easy feat to eradicate an endangered species, especially one like the European grapevine moth when it gains a foothold in a place as hospitable as California’s prime winegrape-growing region,” said California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross. The invasive species put $5.7 billion in grape and stone-fruit crops at risk, said USDA.
More than 100,000 of the moths were trapped in 2010, the peak year for the infestation. The moth feeds on grape flowers and on the fruit itself, contaminating the grapes and exposing them to fungal infections.
Growers in the Napa region disrupted mating of the moth to eradicate it, while growers in the San Joaquin Valley used insecticides, said Western Farm Press. The last time the moth was detected in California was June 2014.