Oregon State University welcomed Robert Orpet, a new Assistant Professor of Entomology, to its Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center in Central Point.

Starting out of the gate, Orpet is doing research to determine which insect species are vectors of grapevine red blotch virus.  The only vector known for sure is the three-cornered alfalfa hopper.

Orpet’s research builds on that of his predecessor, Rick Hilton, as well as continuing entomology team member Ricky Clark.  Hilton and others found the virus in a handful of other treehoppers, planthoppers and leafhoppers, narrowing down the “suspicion list” of insects that may transfer the virus from vine to vine.

The Oregon Wine Board has funded Orpet to test if each of Hilton’s hoppers can transmit the disease. Once Orpet has ruled out or confirmed each vector species, he will build IPM (Integrated Pest Management) programs to stop the spread of red blotch and share those programs with growers. — By Nancy Power, PhD, Assistant Editor, American Vineyard