The glassy-winged sharpshooter, a major agricultural pest, has been found in Ventura County, California, after being discovered earlier in the summer in Tulare County. State officials are concerned about the potential damage the pest could cause to vineyards along California's Central Coast, which accounts for about 95% of the state's wine production. The glassy-winged sharpshooter, which is native to the southeastern United States, feeds on the leaves, flowers, and stems of grapevines. It can also spread Pierce's disease, a bacterial disease that causes vines to wilt and die. There is no cure for Pierce's disease, which is considered to be one of the most destructive grape diseases in the world. "We're taking the detection very seriously," said Don Luvisi, a scientist with the California Department of Food and Agriculture. "We're conducting additional surveys to determine if there are any additional infestations, and we're taking steps to prevent the pest from spreading."

The glassy-winged sharpshooter was first discovered in California in 1999. Since then, the pest has been detected in more than 20 California counties. However, it is the first time the insect has been found in Ventura County, which is home to some of the state's most prestigious vineyards. "We're concerned about the potential damage the glassy-winged sharpshooter could cause to our vineyards," said Bob Lindquist, a spokesman for the California Wine Institute. "We're working closely with the state Department of Food and Agriculture to monitor the situation and to take steps to protect our crops."

The state has set up quarantine zones in the areas around the finds in Ventura and Tulare counties. In these zones, growers are required to take certain steps to prevent the spread of the glassy-winged sharpshooter, such as using insecticides and removing infected vines. The state is also working with federal agencies to develop a long-term plan to combat the pest. "The glassy-winged sharpshooter is a serious threat to our agricultural industry," said California State Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross. "We're taking every possible step to protect our crops and our livelihoods."