New invasive insect pests in California and their negative impact

Sunday, November 16, 2014: 10:08 AM
A105 (Oregon Convention Center)
Gevork Arakelian , Los Angeles County Department of Agricultural Commissioner/Weights & Measures, South Gate, CA
Edmund Williams , Los Angeles County Department of Agricultural Commissioner/Weights & Measures, South Gate, CA
The size of California and its topographical features have set a stage for tremendous biological diversity. These diverse natural conditions have a potential to harbor a broad spectrum of foreign pests. California is second after Florida in insect pest introductions. On average 8-9 alien insects become established here annually. Exotic pests threaten California's agricultural, urban, and natural environments. The paper presents a review of the latest exotic insect pests in California and shows their negative impact.