Too many apple moths for twist-tie strategy to work, officials say

State and federal agricultural officials said Thursday there are too many apple moths in southern Sonoma County to fight the pest with special twist ties and instead they intend to conduct another grape harvest there under quarantine.

The twist ties, which contain a special chemical that can prevent the moths from mating, wouldn’t be effective because so many of the insects have been found in a three-county area between Sears Point and Benicia, said Larry Hawkins, spokesman for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“It’s just overrun,” Hawkins said. “It would be pointless to do it.”

Hawkins and a spokesman for the state agricultural department said their agencies this summer and fall will provide additional inspectors, if needed, to help grape growers in the quarantine area get their crops inspected and processed in a timely manner.

The latest development prompted disappointment among both growers and local officials.

“That’s not good news, and I certainly hope they are sincere in their assurances of funding more inspections,” said state Assemblywoman Noreen Evans, D-Santa Rosa, who is conducting a meeting today with agriculture officials on the moth. “Because we’re going to need them.”

The moth, which originated in Australia, was first confirmed in California almost two years ago.

State and federal officials have deemed it a significant threat to agriculture and some native plants, and are preparing an eradication campaign. They believe the larvae damages fruit by feeding on the plant surface.

Critics dismiss the moth as a threat and have urged the federal government to downgrade the danger level of the pest. That step essentially would end quarantines and eradication efforts from Sonoma to Monterey counties.

Earlier this week officials announced they will establish a new quarantine area in the county, the third to date, because two apple moths have been found near Sebastopol.

As well, Hawkins said his agency has begun holding focus groups for a statewide public information campaign costing up to $3 million on the apple moth and other invasive pests. The funds are part of $74.5 million in federal funds aimed at eradicating the pest.

Government scientists now are preparing another eradication effort, the release of millions of sterile moths. Hawkins said some sterile moths may be used this year, but it remains too early to say how soon such insects might appear in the county.

Ned Hill, owner of La Prenda Vineyards Management, said he doesn’t fear the moths damaging grape vines. But last year he sprayed a vineyard for the moths in another quarantine area and likely would do so again this coming harvest to make sure he doesn’t face extra restrictions during crush.

“This thing’s just sort of a pain,” he said.

Both Hill and Carneros grape grower Jim Haire said growers want to receive more communication this season from the government agriculture officials.

If those officials held a meeting, said Haire, “it’s so important they would have 99 percent of us there.”