(FOX40.COM) — The Stanislaus County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office urges residents who purchased grape plants from Costco stores in recent weeks not to plant them after an invasive agricultural pest was detected on grape nursery stock sold in California.
County officials reported that the affected grape plants were sold at Costco locations, including stores in Modesto, Turlock and Riverbank, between April 21 and May 21. Officials believe the plants may carry the glassy-winged sharpshooter, an invasive insect known for spreading Pierce’s disease, a bacterial infection that can kill grapevines.
The commissioner’s office said sharpshooter detections tied to the shipments have also been reported in several Northern California counties.
“Protecting Stanislaus County agriculture and preventing the spread of invasive pests is critically important,” Agricultural Commissioner Linda Pinfold said in a statement. “We are asking anyone who purchased these grape plants to contact our office before planting, moving, or disposing of them.”…