The Pierce’s Disease/Glassy Winged Sharpshooter Board (PD/GWSS Board) recently voted to set the grower assessment rate in support of the Pierce’s Disease Control Program (Program) at $1.25 per $1,000 of crop value for the 2022 harvest. This assessment provides vital funding for research on GWSS and other designated vineyard pests and for research on developing crop resistance to PD. “CAWG …

Leafminer damage of “scribbles” on leaf surfaces was first reported from Washington vineyards in September of 2020. Dr. David James, Washington State University entomologist, determined the damage was caused by a new, undescribed leafmining moth, the first of its kind to damage commercial wine grapes in North America. He conducted a one-year project, supported by the Washington wine industry, to …

The time is upon us once again. Japanese beetles are showing up in vineyards around the state. In large enough numbers, Japanese beetles can be a severe pest of grapes during the summer, feeding mainly on foliage and (thankfully) rarely on the berries. More problematic is Japanese beetles feeding on new plantings. Older, established vines can withstand some feeding damage, …

University of Georgia Extension —As grape root borer (GRB) adults emerge in Georgia, now is the time to distribute your pheromone dispensers/ties. If you are unfamiliar with grape root borer (pictured above), GRB is a clearwing moth with larvae that tunnel into the larger roots and crown of grape vines and feed below the soil surface. Symptoms of infested vines include poor growth and fruit …

As vineyards progress through the bloom period of development this spring, focus on insect pest control increases. Grape berry moth (GBM) is a key insect that must be managed in Michigan vineyards. Most management programs target later generations, but under the right circumstances management of the first generation now might be a worthwhile endeavor. Infestation by this pest is highly …

Contents of the June Issue: Protecting Against Smoke Taint Rejections Multi-Faceted Problem Brings No Silver Bullet Solution All About Raisin Interest in 2022 Raisin Insurance Coverage Options & Deadlines Mechanization & Precision Viticulture Opportunities for Michigan Wine & Juice Grape Vineyards The American Grapevine Grape Industry News Briefs California Maryland Michigan Minnesota Missouri New York Oregon Virginia Washington

Over the course of more than 18 months, a group of viticulturists and vineyard owners have been working together to research both the benefits of, and the process for establishing a Winegrape Pest and Disease Control District in Sonoma County. They have engaged in research and discussed an effort with elected and appointed Sonoma County Officials, University of California Cooperative …

Grape berry moth (GBM) is a native North American pest that can reduce fruit quality both directly and indirectly. The immature or larval stage of the pest tunnels into fruit reducing fruit quality. The entry holes (“stings”) of the larve compromise the integrity of the berries and provide an entry point for assorted fruit rots including sour rot (Figure 1). …

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) today awarded $3.75 million to fund 10 research projects that explore Integrated Pest Management (IPM) tools for urban, non-agricultural and agricultural pest management. The 2021-2022 DPR Grants Programs funded by the state budget represent a 617% increase from the previous year’s funding to accelerate the transition to safer, more sustainable pest management. “The …

The quality of plants you choose to grow in your vineyard is important for successful development and/or grafting-over established vineyard blocks. Often concern is placed primarily on getting a certain cultivar (variety), clone, or rootstock quickly, rather than taking the steps necessary to ensure that the plant material is from a sound source. This can lead to vineyards having poor …