The Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter:
A New Pest in California Gardens

by Joshua Dake, Inventory Control Manager

xxxxxThe Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter (Homalodisca coagulata) is a native insect of the Southeastern United States, ranging from Florida to Eastern Texas, and as far as Kentucky to the north. The dangerous pest, thought to have been introduced to this region in the late 1980's, probably entered as eggs on an incoming plant and has since become a nuisance to commercial growers and local gardeners throughout the Southern California area.
xxxxxThe reason this pest is of such concern is that it is a common carrier of a bacterium called Xylella fastidiosa, which has been known to cause Pierce's disease on grapevines, oleander leaf scorch, almond leaf scorch, citrus variegated chlorosis, and alfalfa dwarf. This bacterium attacks the plant tissue responsible for transporting water from the roots to the rest of the plant, known as the xylem. Once this tissue is infected, the plant becomes unable to uptake the water and nutrients it needs to survive.The Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter
xxxxxUniversity of California scientists are researching methods of preventing and eliminating the bacterium. Professor Bruce Kirkpatrick of U.C. Davis is performing experiments on grapevines to test whether raising the levels of micronutrients such as zinc, magnesium, and iron in the plant can be effective in preventing infection. Professor Alexander Purcell of U.C. Berkeley is testing the effects of heavy pruning of plants during the winter months as a way of eliminating the bacterium and says that his early results have been promising. However, Purcell is still collecting data on how plant type and age will affect the success of pruning.
xxxxxThe most important tool in controlling this pest is early detection. An adult Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter is about one-half inch long. It is dark brown in color with a lighter brown underside. It has small yellow spots around its head and transparent wings. The insect feeds mainly on the stems of plants, piercing the outer layer and sucking nutrients from the internal tissue. During feeding, insects filter out the necessary minerals and amino acids and produce large droplets of a white watery substance every few minutes. This substance leaves a filmy residue on the leaves and fruit giving them a whitewashed appearance. Plants most frequented by the sharpshooter in this area include Citrus, Eucalyptus, Oleander, Pinus, and Prunas.
xxxxxIf you detect these insects in your garden, please contact your local county Agricultural Commissioner.

 

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Did You Know?

Miramar Wholesale Nurseries
Awarded First Place

In February, Miramar Wholesale Nurseries was presented the first place Special Services Award by its parent company, TruGreen LandCare. The award was presented at the company's first annual national meeting in San Antonio, Texas. The award honored Miramar Wholesale Nurseries as a top performing entity within its collective national branch network. TruGreen LandCare, the nation's largest commercial landscape management company, is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. It is an operating entity within TruGreen ChemLawn, operating within the ServiceMaster family of companies.

Of particular significance to the Miramar Wholesale Nurseries staff was an additional award for emphasis on quality. The Region Quality Award acknowledged local operations for continued quality emphasis throughout the operations. Our associates remain committed to quality products, services, and customer satisfaction.

Miramar Wholesale Nurseries thanks all of its associates for their continued dedication to providing the best we have to our clients. And, we thank our clients and customers, for the continued opportunity to support their companies, their projects, and their properties.

News About Our Associates

January marked significant positive accomplishments for many of our associates. Suzie Wiest has been named Branch Manager of Miramar Wholesale Nurseries, San Diego. In the San Diego facility, congratulations go to Joshua Dake on his recent promotion to the position of Inventory Control Manager. Mary Ryan has moved from the Lake Forest location to serve as San Diego's Purchasing Administrator. Sherry Hatter recently returned from maternity leave to her position as Branch Administrator - congratulations on the birth of her second child. Over the past several months, Commercial Landscape Center Manager, Karen Hill welcomed Michel Wagner as a valued member of her sales team. Keith Lazenby, San Juan Capistrano Site Manager, announced the addition of Russell Enos to his Commercial Landscape Center staff. And in the new Lake Forest landscape center, Site Manager Bob Everett welcomes Donna Johnson.

In January, Sheila Checkley, of our Irvine/Lake Forest location, earned her professional certification as a Certified Arborist. She successfully completed the examination administered through the International Society of Arboriculture. And in our business office, please welcome Rebecca Sanchez as our new receptionist.