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County agricultural officials are urging San Diegans who purchased desert willow plants from Costco between June 24 and July 3 to check them for invasive pests.
The plants may contain two invasive agricultural pests: the broad-headed sharpshooter and the glassy-winged sharpshooter. The affected plants were distributed to Costco warehouses across California, including seven in San Diego County.
Both pests carry a bacterium that can trigger many destructive plant diseases, including Pierce’s disease, which kills grapevines. The disease has caused millions of dollars in losses to California’s wine grape industry, according to state officials.
“Preventing these pests is critical to protecting the state’s agriculture, environment, and economy,” said county communications officer Donna Durckel in a statement.
While a public notice from the county said the glassy-winged sharpshooter is already present in San Diego County, the broad-headed sharpshooter species is not currently found in California. Introducing it could increase the risk of spreading diseases that can kill off grapevines and other plants.
For desert willows that have not been planted, county officials recommend placing the plant in two trash bags, sealing both bags and placing them in the regular trash. They advise against placing the plant in green waste containers, returning it to the store, transporting it or relocating it.
For desert willows that are already planted, country agricultural inspectors can come inspect the plant for any life stages of the broad-headed sharpshooter and determine next steps.
County agricultural officials have already inspected desert willow plants at local Costco warehouses, but they say around 200 plants in the county remain unaccounted for. Costco is working to notify customers who purchased the plants.
Costco customers who purchased desert willow plants between June 24 and July 3 can contact the County of San Diego Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures at 760-752-4700 or [email protected].
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