Sonoma hit with apple moth quarantine

A 15-square mile area, including hundreds of Sonoma Valley homes and 2,500 surrounding acres of wine grapes, has come under state quarantine in an effort to eradicate the light brown apple moth from Sonoma County.

State agricultural officials Monday announced the boundaries of the quarantine area, which takes in parts of western Sonoma, El Verano, Boyes Hot Springs and Agua Caliente. The action follows the finding of a second apple moth last month in an area between Verano Avenue and Agua Caliente Road.

The quarantine means that grape growers, nurseries and other plant-related businesses in the quarantine area are subject to what state officials call “extensive inspection” and, in some cases, treatment if their properties are found to be infested.

Also, the state forbids residents from taking home-grown fruit, vegetables, plants, flowers outside of the quarantine area.

“We recognize it’s a challenge and a sacrifice,” said Steve Lyle, a spokesman for the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

But he said the apple moth can feed on 2,000 different types of plants, including “most if not everything people have in their yards.”

The moth, a native of Australia, was first detected in California in February 2007 and since has been detected in most of the Bay Area. The state and federal governments have undertaken a $75 million eradication plan that relies largely on aerial spraying of a synthetic pheromone designed to disrupt the moth’s mating cycle.

However, in Sonoma County the state likely will first place pheromone-scented twist ties in the quarantine area. Before that happens, Lyle said affected residents will receive a written notification and invitation to a public meeting to learn more about the eradication efforts.

A map of the quarantine boundaries can be seen at: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/pdep/lbam/pdfs/maps/quarantine/LBAM_QUAR_SONOMA_CO_2008.pdf.