NOGALES, Ariz. – Agents with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) agriculture specialists at the Area Port of Nogales, discovered and quarantined a significant agricultural pest on May 8, according to a media release.
.
CBP said the interception at the Mariposa Commercial Facility occurred while specialists were conducting the inspection of a commercial shipment of leafy greens. A thorough inspection of the shipment led to the discovery of a unique insect, later identified as Polyamia arachnion Kramer (Cicadellidae), a type of leafhopper. Leafhoppers are known to damage plants through their feeding habits and are vectors for plant diseases.
It is only the second time in 69 years that this species has been collected and identified with both specimens originating from central Mexico.
“CBP agriculture specialists work diligently to prevent potentially harmful insects and diseases from entering the United States through our ports of entry,” CBP stated.
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
