Elephant weevil, dangerous pest to wine industry, found in shipment to Southern California
Elephant weevil, dangerous pest to wine industry, found in shipment to Southern California
Sep 12, 2012 6
(KABC) - Customs and Border Protection authorities said they intercepted a live insect that poses a major threat to the wine industry in a shipment to the Los Angeles-Long Beach seaport. This is the first time the pest was found in the U.S.
Orthorhinus cylindrirostris, commonly known as the elephant weevil, was discovered Aug. 30 on the floor of a container bringing fresh oranges from Australia, destined to Ft. Pierce, Fla.
The elephant weevil, which is native to Australia, attacks roots, stems and fruit of cultivated vine crops causing holes, stunted growth and weakened structure. It also feeds on eucalyptus and other horticultural plants such as citrus, blueberry bushes and fruit trees.
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