WSDA To Discuss Potential Apple Maggot Quarantine for Okanogan County In Early March
Could an apple maggot quarantine soon be issued for Washington’s Okanogan County?
Last year, the Washington state Department of Agriculture placed 281 adult fly traps on host trees in the pest-free area of Okanogan County. WSDA documented 69 positive sites that captured 471 adult apple maggots. In addition, crews sampled hawthorn berries for the maggot larvae at three positive sites, resulting in over 385 AM pupa.
In accordance with WSDA policies, the finding of two or more life stages of apple maggot indicates a breeding population and initiates a need for expanding the quarantine in Okanogan County. Representatives of WSDA and of the Apple Maggot Working Group are seeking discussions about the pending quarantine with the Okanogan County growers/shippers who are likely to be impacted by this action.
This meeting will cover:
- Update on apple maggot finds in Okanogan County
- Explanation of what triggers a quarantine
- Explanation of what a quarantine means for growers and packers in Okanogan County
- Request for feedback
- Question and Answer Session
Due to COVID-19 restrictions the March 3rd meeting will be available via conference call/web interface, starting at 1:30 p.m. PST.
Click Here To join via computer. Meeting ID: 829 747 6290
To join via phone: 1 (253) 215-8782 Meeting ID: 829 747 6290
If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekmedia.com
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