News
“Agricultural nightmare” for California farmers as flies attack crops
Christiana Green runs four farmers markets across the Coachella Valley with vendors selling all kinds of produce.
“Microgreens, mushrooms, citrus, avocado,” she said, listing the options.
Green calls the farmers at the markets, “family” and says their cash crops are literally under attack.
“It could decimate our farmers markets and the availability of the freshest food available,” she said.
Green is talking about a large infestation of the Oriental Fruit Fly (Bactrocera dorsali) which were recently found in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
“It’s really serious,” said Bodil Cass with the UC riverside Entomology department. These flies lay their eggs in the fruit that is growing in the trees and the maggots eat the fruit before it’s ready to harvest. So, basically you go to harvest your fruit and it’s full of maggots.”
Cass says these flies are normally found throughout Southern Asia. Adding that they usually get into the United States though fruits and vegetables imported illegally.
Now these little bugs are causing big problems for California crops and the economy.
“The estimated cost to agriculture, if they fly establishes in California, is into the billions of dollars,” Cass said.
In an attempt to eradicate these flies before they establish, quarantines have been placed in areas across Southern California.
“None of the quarantines have been made smaller; they only keep getting bigger,” Green said. “And the time keeps getting pushed back as far as how long.”
For Green and her family of farmers, they’re trying to provide our community with the freshest food available while avoiding these fruit flies.
It is an exponentially terrifying ordeal,” she said.
These fruit flies are a little bigger than a housefly. And if you find your fresh fruit filled with maggots, please report it to the California Department of Food and Agriculture Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899.
This story was written and reported by Kai Beech.
By: Pristine Villarreal
December 4, 2023
Latest Instagram Posts
What’s next for Palm Desert? Join community leaders, local businesses and regional stakeholders for the 2026 State of the City Address. Topics: • Economic Development • Infrastructure • Public Safety • Community Programs • Palm Desert’s Future CTA: Friday, September 18 | 11:30 AM JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort
Former Silvercrest CEO, William Rodriguez is expected back in court today in connection with the deadly 2024 Cathedral City hit and run that killed a woman. The murder charge was dismissed, but Rodriguez still faces felony hit and run and suspended license charges.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Murder suspect Vicky Kim has once again not been cleared to appear in court. Kim is accused of killing her husband at their Palm Desert condominium complex. Her arraignment has now been delayed three times. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we track the latest developments in this case. #VickyKim #PalmDesert #CoachellaValley #BreakingNews #CourtUpdate NBCPalmSprings
Palm Springs is mourning the loss of beloved entertainer James “Gypsy” Haake, who has died at 94. Haake began his entertainment career at just 19 years old as a Broadway chorus dancer. After retiring from the stage, he returned to performing at 82, becoming the host of Carnival Cabaret at Oscars in downtown Palm Springs. A longtime friend of our station, Haake was a familiar and beloved figure in the Palm Springs entertainment community — and his contributions were recognized with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. His career spanned more than seven decades, proving that the spotlight never truly left him. ❤️ Rest in peace, James “Gypsy” Haake. Your legacy will live on in Palm Springs. #JamesGypsyHaake #PalmSprings #PalmSpringsWalkOfStars #CarnivalCabaret #PalmSpringsEntertainment #OscarsPalmSprings #PalmSpringsHistory
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Sterling Conley with the rushing TD, 2) Marcus Kennedy with the touchdown catch, 3) Cade Pinon with the big time sack, 4) Kingston Pellum with the pick-6, or 5) Caleb Hartwell with the saving throw #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball
James Nellis from @dsrt_club_lq and @rd_rnnr_lq makes us one of his signature dishes, his Maine scallops with hibiscus puree. His creativity and skill lead to unique bold flavors and scrumptious dishes. We chat about his love of trying new things in the kitchen, what being a chef means to him, and how food can different, flavorful, and fun. This is James Nellis on a plate. See it now on nbcpalmsprings.com
At the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, first responders, families and community members came together to honor the lives lost—and the heroes who answered the call 25 years ago on September 11, 2001. Two first responders who responded to opposite sides of the World Trade Center met for the first time at the event, sharing a powerful moment of remembrance and connection. 26 flights. Three times. One enduring message: Never Forget. #NeverForget #September11 #911Memorial #MemorialStairClimb #FirstResponders HonorAndRemember 911
Palm Desert’s future takes center stage next week. The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2026 State of the City Address & Luncheon on Friday, September 18, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. The event brings together local business leaders, community members and city stakeholders for an inside look at the priorities, opportunities and future of Palm Desert. Friday, September 18 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort Palm Desert Individual tickets are $85 for Chamber members and $95 for non-members. Get the details and registration information from the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce. #PalmDesert #StateOfTheCity #CoachellaValley #PalmDesertBusiness #GreaterPalmSprings #PalmDesertChamber