The pest destroys young seedlings, spoils the appearance of ornamental plants and injures deciduous fruit-tree crops, citrus and grapes.

It was previously detected in nine San Francisco and Central Coast counties, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture. But it has been now sighted as far as Solano County and Sherman Oaks.

Agriculture officials have issued warnings for residents and nurseries to inspect retail plant nurseries in these areas. Farmers were asked to sign compliance agreements assuring that plants being sold are free of the pest, and wholesale nurseries will sign agreements to ensure that they will inspect plants before shipment.

Residents in the areas were asked to avoid removing any plants or plant parts from their property, including fruit and flowers. Landscaping and lawn-maintenance companies were asked to haul green waste only to approved locations, such as landfills, compost facilities and biomass facilities.

The moth is native to Australia, but is also found in New Zealand, Ireland, Britain and Hawaii. More than 250 plant species are known to be susceptible to attack by the pest.

Source: People?EUR??,,????'???s Daily Online