This invasive insect threatens California's wine industry. It's been linked to another Costco-sold plant

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Set us as preferred Costco has issued a warning to customers who purchased a certain flowering tree from its stores that it may be infested with an invasive insect that state officials say can “cause major damage to the environment and the economy,” particularly the state’s $73-billion wine industry.Costco customers who bought a desert willow at certain California locations from June 24 through July 3 are asked to try to isolate the plant and immediately contact their county’s agricultural commissioner’s office to minimize the spread of the glassy-winged sharpshooter, which can be deadly to grapevines and cause serious damage to several other plants.The same invasive insect was found to have infested grapevines sold at select Northern California Costco warehouses earlier this year, also triggering a major response to try to limit the insect’s impact.

The latest infestation is on Costco-sold desert willows, a small tree or shrub with trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in pink, lavender, and white.The glassy-winged sharpshooter is a large leafhopper native to certain parts of North America, including northeastern Mexico, but invasive in California.

While feeding on plant fluids, it can spread a bacterium that causes Pierce’s disease, which is fatal to grapevines and has previously threatened California’s vineyards, according to the University of California’s Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program.The pest can also damage citrus trees, landscape plants and other crops, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture.“Early detection and rapid response are critical to preventing the pest from spreading further,” the agency wrote in its warning about the infestation in Costco plants.

California An invasive insect has been found on California grapevines, threatening the state’s wine ind...