Currently, several areas in San Diego County are quarantined for Diaprepes Root Weevil; Carlsbad (La Costa), Carmel Valley, Del Mar, Encinitas (Olivenhain), Fairbanks Ranch, La Jolla, Oceanside, Rancho Santa Fe, Torrey Pines, Solana Beach and University City. Please see the map for specific locations. We thank all residents cooperating as we work to determine the extent of the infestation and to eradicate this pest.
Diaprepes abbreviatus is a root weevil native to the Caribbean. In the Caribbean, this beetle is one of the most economically important pests. This beetle was accidentally introduced into near Apopka, Florida in 1964. It was presumably introduced in an ornamental plant shipment from Puerto Rico. Since 1964, D. abbreviatus has spread over a large area of central and southern Florida and parts of Texas where it is damaging to ornamental plants and other crops, especially citrus.
Last year, this colorful insect was found in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Quarantine areas were established to prevent the movement of the weevil in shipments of plants and other materials from the infested area.
- This beetle has an extensive host range, 270 plants, including many of crops grown in San Diego County such as citrus, avocado, ornamental trees and shrubs, cactus, perennials, and flowering, as well as foliage plants.
- The weevil has been intercepted numerous times in California since 1974 in shipments of plants and other cargo. Because of its broad host range and the large volume of movement of host plants, the citrus root weevil poses a serious threat to San Diego County?s agriculture industry.
- The citrus root weevil causes damage to both the leaves and the roots of plants. Damage to leaves is by extensive chewing producing deep notches on the leaf edges.
- The larva or grub feeds on the roots, weakening or killing the plant.
- Adult weevils are capable of flying short distances. They tend to stay on a particular host plant unless disturbed or food source is depleted.
- San Diego Agriculture Officials continue to survey San Diego County for this weevil.
Additional Information
University of California Information
Current Quarantine:
Diaprepes Quarantine
Quarantine Areas Map
News Releases:
October 13, 2006, State Press Release
County News:
December 5, 2006, Oceanside and Expanded Quarantines
June 14, 2006, Olivenhain Quarantine
May 30, 2006, University City Quarantine
May 4, 2006, Found in San Diego County
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