FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Sarah Roderick
Communications Assistant, New Mexico Department of Agriculture
Sroderick@nmda.nmsu.edu
Office: 575-646-1864

July 20, 2022

Open forum to discuss pecan weevil quarantine set for July 27 in Tularosa

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LAS CRUCES – As a result of confirmed pecan weevil infestations in Otero County and the increased possibility of transporting pecan weevil to uninfested pecan-growing counties, the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) is proposing to amend the state’s Pecan Weevil Interior Quarantine Rule by adding Otero County to the list of New Mexico’s pecan weevil quarantined counties.

Pecans mixed with several larvae around the shells. — The New Mexico Department of Agriculture is hosting an open forum in Tularosa Wednesday, July 27 to discuss proposed changes to the Pecan Weevil Interior Quarantine Rule and its impacts on in-shell pecan exports. Pecan weevil larvae are legless, plump and creamy white, and their bodies have multiple segments. Mature larvae may be about 1/3 to a little over 1/2 inch long. They have reddish-brown head capsules and chewing jaws. (Photo courtesy New Mexico Department of Agriculture)

If adopted, the proposed change will impact the movement of in-shell pecans grown in Otero County and transported to non-pecan weevil quarantined areas of New Mexico. Shipments to growing areas in other states not infested by pecan weevil may also be impacted.

NMDA invites interested parties to discuss this and other proposed changes to the Pecan Weevil Interior Quarantine Rule and its impacts on in-shell pecan exports at an open forum Wednesday, July 27 at 6 p.m. at the Tularosa Community Center, located at 1050 N. Bookout Rd.

Pecans with BB-sized holes at the top. — The New Mexico Department of Agriculture is hosting an open forum in Tularosa Wednesday, July 27 to discuss proposed changes to the Pecan Weevil Interior Quarantine Rule and its impacts on in-shell pecan exports. Pecan weevil grubs grow and feed inside the nut, producing a round, BB-sized hole when the grub exits. Infected nuts that are lightweight often end up in lower-grade nuts or trash piles. (Photo courtesy New Mexico Department of Agriculture)

The official public hearings regarding the rule amendments will be announced in the coming weeks. Details will be posted on the New Mexico Department of Agriculture website by July 26.

For more information regarding the July 27 open forum, please call 575-646-3207.

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