Friday, October 14, 2005

from Farm and Food News: Medflies found in San Jose Two female Mediterranean fruit flies have been found in the Santa Teresa area of San Jose. Today (Thursday) the Department of Food and Agriculture will start an aerial release of sterile flies over the region where the files were found. Most residents will be unaware of the releases that will include more than 2 million sterile flies. There are no commercial agricultural operations in the area. Plans are being prepared for a quarantine zone to be established. The pest can destroy more than 260 plant varieties. [The eradication plan will introduce sterile medflies.] 5:45:13 PM

Farm and Food News report: First Africanized bees found in San Luis Obispo County San Luis Obispo County is reporting its first infestation of Africanized honeybees. County agricultural officials say a beekeeper noticed his bees were acting more defensively. To eradicate the infestation, the beekeeper has reduced the hive population, and has introduced a European queen bee. Agricultural inspectors will look at the hive in four weeks to make certain the Africanized bees have been destroyed. Counties that have Africanized bee infestations surround San Luis Obispo County. 5:41:15 PM