The San Diego County Agricultural Department expanded the quarantined area in La Jolla as of Tuesday, Dec. 6, after discovering a large infestation of Diaprepes Root Weevils, small insects that feed on plant leaves and roots and destroy crops.
Plant soil, clippings, sand, gravel and other plant parts are restricted from leaving the quarantined areas, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).
“This is definitely the first and the biggest infestation we have ever had,” Robert Atkins, San Diego county’s agricultural commissioner, said by phone Dec. 7. “Unfortunately, because this weevil breeds all year-round and generations can survive from a few months to over a year, it’s really difficult to anticipate when we might be able to gain control of this.”
The root weevil has been found on more than 270 plant species, including citrus, avocados, ornamental trees and shrubs, perennials, and flowering and foliage trees.
Residents and local nurseries located in the quarantined area have been notified through mail of the infestation, with notices that depict the weevil and encourage individuals to report weevil sightings. The CDFA will survey and treat private residents and businesses with pesticides to ward off the insect, Atkins said.
In La Jolla, the infestation should not significantly impact plant nurseries or farmers markets, but may stop some individual plant retailers from being able to move their plants if they are located within the quarantined area, according to Atkins.
“We will be dealing individually with compliance agreements with nurseries in the quarantined area, and unless they are infested, they will be able to ship the plants,” Atkins said. “We don’t have control yet or even containment and we are still trying to catch up to it. Realistically, we’re looking at two to three years before we might have a clear idea.”
On a larger scale, the CDFA is concerned that the infestation may have significant impacts on San Diego County’s $1 billion plant nursery industry, according to a statement from the county.
The weevils were previously found in University City and a few other spots in San Diego County.