Avenue Vine: July 2008 CDFA PD/GWSS Board Highlights

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July 03, 2008

July 2008 CDFA PD/GWSS Board Highlights

State funding for Pierce's Disease Control Program continues

In light of the state's large deficit, many programs took deep budget cuts. This was not the case for the PDCP, for which a $4 million appropriation was included in the Governor's proposed 2008-09 Budget Bill. The Governor indicated the reason for sustaining this funding was because of the financial commitment displayed by the winegrape industry through the PD/GWSS assessment.

Where does CDFA PD stand on GWSS containment?:
At this time last year, 14 counties were wholly or partially infested with GWSS. With the infestation in Solano County declared eradicated at the end of 2007, now 13 counties contain infestations. Also in 2007, no GWSS were detected in Rancho Cordova in Sacramento County or in Blossom Hill in Santa Clara County. If there are no finds in either of these two areas by October 31, 2008, then the infestations will be eligible to be declared eradicated.

"CDFA's GWSS response and containment program continues to demonstrate how effective a comprehensive and integrated approach can be in dealing with invasive pests," notes Family Winemakers of California President Paul Kronenberg.

Wines & Vines applauds PD Research Program:
The following is an excerpt from Cliff Ohmart's Vineyard View column published in the May 2008 issue of Wines & Vines.

“PD funds made things happen”

The California Department of Food & Agriculture's (CDFA) Pierce's Disease (PD) research program is a great example of what can happen when a large amount of money is raised to support a specific area of research. Grants can exceed $100,000 per year for up to three years, and as a result some very talented researchers have applied, been awarded grants and done really great work.

Moreover, the program has attracted scientists who had not worked on grapes before but could apply their many skills to the problem at hand. Researchers quickly figured out how to prevent the spread of the glassy-winged sharpshooter to new areas of the state and economically control it over large areas. They have made great strides in figuring out the ecology of Xylella fastidiosa and how it causes PD in grapevines.

This rapid progress never would have happened without the CDFA PD research fund. I realize that a long-term management program for PD has not been established yet, but it is important to know that it is not for the lack of good science. Bacteria-caused diseases like PD that affect the xylem of the plant are probably the most challenging to figure out how to control.

Click here to learn more about current research projects.

Pierce's Disease Control Program Update

As of June 30, 2008, GWSS is present in only 13 of California's 58 counties.

Resource Downloads:

Xylella fastidiosa Website

● Controlling PD in different regions
● Symptom recognition guidelines
● Early Spring
● symptoms
● Summer and Fall symptoms

GWSS brochure
Quick reference guide