Costco Nursery Sells 220 Infected Vines, Sparks $104M Loss Risk
COST•Costco's Napa nursery sold 220 glassy-winged sharpshooter–infested grapevines from Burchell Nursery, resulting in destruction of 63 plants and leaving 157 unaccounted. Pierce’s disease risk could double California growers’ losses from $48 million to $104 million and add $56 million annually in lost production and replanting.
1. Infestation Found in Costco Nursery
A Costco nursery in Napa received 220 grapevines from Burchell Nursery which testing found infested with glassy-winged sharpshooters; 63 infected plants have been destroyed while 157 others remain unaccounted for.
2. Pierce’s Disease Threat
The glassy-winged sharpshooter transmits bacteria that causes Pierce’s disease, an incurable infection blocking water-conducting systems in grapevines and leading to leaf scorch, vine decline and eventual death.
3. Economic Impact on Winegrowers
Estimates show that without current prevention programs, losses for California winegrowers could more than double from $48 million to $104 million, with the unchecked spread of the pest adding $56 million yearly in lost production and vine replacement.
