EVALUATION OF EFFICACY OF SEVIN(R) TREATMENTS IN PORTERVILLE GWSS INFESTATION

• Author(s): Grafton-Cardwell, Elizabeth; Haines, Dennis;
• Abstract: In 1999, the agricultural community in Temecula, California became aware that glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) was a serious problem with regard to transmitting the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa and was causing epidemics of Pierces Disease in grapes. This discovery spawned a search for GWSS in other areas of California during 2000. On May 16, 2000 yellow panel traps revealed an infestation in the Porterville area that was surveyed by Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner/Sealers Office (TCAC) staff, with the assistance of the California Conservation Corp (CCC). It was determined that a 9-square- mile urban area of Porterville was infested with GWSS. After much discussion and examination of insecticide options, the TCAC decided to treat GWSS-infested residential yards with carbaryl (Sevin) because it was registered for both food and ornamental plants. The purpose of the treatment program was to prevent the pest from spreading into additional nearby communities, and commercial citrus and grapes. The effectiveness of this treatment had not been previously studied.
• Publication Date: Dec 2001
• Journal: 2001 Pierce's Disease Research Symposium