This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Civilization is Saved: Deadly Plant Pest Intercepted in Pepper Shipment at LAX
Photo by Art Konovalov via Shutterstock
The U.S. economy, agricultural industry, and native flora and fauna have all been spared the damage of one of the world's most destructive crop pests thanks to an interception by federal border agents working at Los Angeles International Airport.Officials announced today that a shipment of orange bell peppers from Spain sent to L.A. by air was carrying the leafhopper (Hardya melanopsis), according to City News Service. The shipment was inspected and the insect discovered on December 8.
Leafhoppers are particularly troublesome because of how they feed on plant stems and leaves above ground, and transmit viruses, mycoplasma-like organisms, and bacteria to healthy plant tissue, which results in serious plant damage on a scale capable of derailing the agricultural business, and, consequently, the economy.
This find was confirmed soon after as being the first in the nation.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
