Glassy-winged Sharpshooter
Glassy-winged Sharpshooter next to an egg mass in a leaf
Glassy-winged Sharpshooter
The Glassy-winged sharpshooter (Homalodisca coagulata) is a serious new pest in California. The insect is native to the southeast United States and began infesting southern California counties in 1990. It is a particular threat to California vineyards due to its ability to spread Xylella fastidiosa, the bacterium that causes Pierce's disease. Peirce's disease kills grapevines, and there are no effective treatments for it. Glassy-winged sharpshooters (GWSS) have led to a Pierce's disease epidemic in the Temecula region of Southern California where it has killed one-third of the vineyards and threatens the survival of the viticulture industry. Learn more about the Glassy-winged Sharpshooter.
The El Dorado County Department of Agriculture began a survey of local plant nurseries (a possible point of infestation as plants are shipped from infested areas) and vineyards in April 2000. All incoming nursery shipments containing known host plants from infested area are also being inspected upon arrival in El Dorado County. No adult GWSS have been found to date. El Dorado County has adopted an ordinance #4559 as a means of regulating the movement of host material entering the county. Excellent cooperation from the nursery and vineyard industries has facilitated the survey and inspection processes.
For more information contact the El Dorado County Department of Agriculture (530) 621-5520 or visit the California Department of Food and Agriculture GWSS site: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/pdcp/Glassy-winged_Sharpshooter.html