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San Diego County nursery operators' fire losses

Extent of nursery losses remains uncertain

Fires and road closures have caused damage and losses for plant nurseries around Southern California. San Diego County leads the state in production of potted plants, ornamental plants and other nursery crops. A county farm advisor says she saw fire-damaged nurseries as she surveyed production areas yesterday (Thursday) but that it's still hard to know how many nurseries have been affected. She says road closures have made it difficult for undamaged nurseries to ship their plants to market.

Avocado Commission calls crop 'largely intact'

As it works to survey damage from wildfires and strong winds, the California Avocado Commission said yesterday that it believes the crop remains "largely intact." The commission says it expects the total avocado crop to be reduced 10 percent from preseason estimates, as a result of this week's losses. It issued a statement calling reports of more-widespread damage "incorrect." The commission said it will issue an updated crop estimate in coming weeks.

Wild Medflies trapped in LA County

For the first time in six years, wild Mediterranean fruit flies have been trapped in Los Angeles County. The state Department of Food and Agriculture reports it trapped wild female Medflies in Rancho Palos Verdes and Rolling Hills. Starting today (Friday), crews will conduct ground treatments near those sites. Routine releases of sterile male Medflies will continue. The state is also fighting Medfly infestations in Santa Clara and Solano counties.

Detectives report a record recovery of stolen equipment

A factory-installed global positioning system helped Fresno County sheriff's detectives recover nearly $1 million worth of stolen farm equipment. The GPS beacon from one tractor led them to field near Firebaugh, where they found eight tractors standing. The equipment had been stolen from several different locations. Detectives also found enough evidence to arrest a suspect. The Fresno County sheriff's Ag Task Force says it's the largest recovery in its history.

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