Gilroy Grapevines Stripped To Control Pest

GILROY (KCBS) - Several backyard vineyards in the Gilroy area must be stripped of their fruit to contain an infestation of the European grape vine moth, Santa Clara County agriculture officials announced Wednesday.

KCBS Mike Colgan Reporting:

Those vineyards are within a 94-mile area of the county that was quarantined after three adult moths were found in traps over a two-week period in September, said acting Santa Clara County Agricultural Commissioner Kevin O'Day.

"At this point we might have a very small infestation," he said.

The quarantine area also includes Napa and Sonoma counties in the Bay Area.

The European grape vine moth hurt the bottom line at Napa County vineyards when it first appeared in Northern California last year, O'Day said.

"Last year we saw economic loss in Napa Valley vineyards where the worm feeds on grape and grape clusters. The feeding causes damage as does subsequent mold infestations," he said.

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