Project Number: 5347-22620-021-15
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Dec 18, 2012
End Date: Jun 30, 2015

Objective:
1)Determine the incidence of Pierce’s disease in Arizona vineyards; 2) Identify vector species present in vineyards and determine their seasonal prevalence; 3) Evaluate various chemical and cultural management approaches that reduces spread of Pierce’s disease; 4) design an effective and sustainable IPM program to combat Pierce’s disease

Approach:
Basic epidemiological data will be collected to identify the strain(s) of Xylella fastidiosa, the causal agent of Pierce’s disease, present in Arizona wine grape vineyards. Potential host plants in native and ornamental vegetation surrounding vineyards will be sampled and tested as potential hosts of X. fastidiosa. Conventional insect trapping and sampling methods will be employed to determine vector pressure in vineyards. Cultural and chemical management approaches will be developed based on the epidemiological data and tried experimentally in vineyards. The most successful management approaches will be incorporated into IPM recommendations and provided to growers in pamphlet form.