The California Farm Bureau newspaper AgAlert posted more information today about Light Brown Apple Moth in a story that included extensive quotes from UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor Mark Bolda.

Bolda told AgAlert assistant editor Kate Campbell that LBAM larvae and webbing were found in a Santa Cruz County blackberry farm. About 20 percent of the crop has been lost.

"This the first time we've seen so many light brown apple moths in the field," Bolda was quoted in the article. "The damage is without precedent. As the moth is becoming more numerous in the area, we're starting to see this sort of thing."

Bolda said growers will have to be more proactive in controlling the pest. In the past, he said, growers have held off on treatments, but  earlier treatment may now be necessary since the presence of a single larvae can trigger a quarantine.

The AgAlert story also quoted Claudia Reid, a former UC Agriculture and Natural Resources employee who is now policy and program director for Santa Cruz-based California Certified Organic Farmers. She said the organization is seriously concerned about LBAM.

"Insects that have the potential to threaten entire crops also threaten farmers' livelihoods," Reid was quoted. "Organic farmers, like all farmers, are committed to preventing the spread of this pest, and they have organic pest control methods at their disposal that need to be used in response."