In the 1880s, Pierce’s disease caused a devastating, total collapse of the Southern California grapevine industry. Today, growers have hope for the future thanks to new varieties. Adam Tolmach, owner of Ojai Vineyard, planted four of these new varieties as a field trial on a plot of land where Pierce's disease wiped out his grapes in 1995.  Pierce’s disease is a bacterium spread by insects, typically a sharpshooter. One bite and the vine dies within two to three years. To develop resistant varieties, Andy Walker of the University of California at Davis crossed the European grape Vitis vinifera with Vitis arizonica. 20 years later, commercial growers have access to three red and two white varieties. Listen in to learn how Tolmach’s experiment is a success both in the vineyard and with customers. Plus get tasting notes for the new varieties. LISTEN IN Resources:         REGISTER: The Ins & Outs of Developing a New Vineyard Site 89: New

Scientists Develop Organic Cure for Pierce’s Disease

Testing continues, but new treatment meets approval of U.S. EPA and several state regulators. —Jeff Siegel Walk around certain vineyards, whether the well-renowned regions of California or the less familiar in Texas, and there is a sight that is immediately identifiable: Vinifera vines stripped almost completely of leaves, standing tall, but looking more like sticks […]

Strike a New Path The SFD Filling Device, when used with high-precision measuring instruments such as CarboQC or CboxQC by Anton Paar, allows for the quick and reliable determination of dissolved COâ‚‚, dissolved oxygen, and other gases in sparkling wine and wine. Additionally, it calculates the package pressure based on total dissolved gases, providing a comprehensive analysis of the sample. Simple and Straightforward Designed for ease of use, the SFD Filling Device pierces the cork of a sparkling wine bottle using a manually operated threaded tube. Once the cork is fully penetrated, the sample tube is lowered into the bottle, and the sample is transferred via pressurized air or nitrogen—without exposing the liquid to the atmosphere. A tight seal between the piercing head and the bottle’s cork ensures that no COâ‚‚ escapes during the process, preserving the sample’s integrity for precise measurement. The device can accommodate various bottle sizes, from small formats

Palo Alto, CA – April 27, 2021– A&P Inphatec, a specialist developer of bacteriophages, announced today the release of important new field trial data on the efficacy of XylPhi-PD™, the biologically based reduction of Pierce’s Disease (PD) in grapevines. XylPhi-PD™ is OMRI-listed and approved for use in organic production.  XylPhi-PD™ (EPA Reg. No. 93909-1) is registered for use in California and is commercially available through Wilbur-Ellis Agribusiness locations State-wide. The first in-depth public presentation of this new data is scheduled on May 4th at the upcoming EnoForum USA Technical Conference by Dr. Anika Kinkhabwala (Principal Scientist, A&P Inphatec) and Dr. Carlos F. Gonzalez (Texas A&M AgriLife Research Professor, Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Texas A&M University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences).  The post A&P Inphatec Announces 2020 Field Trial Efficacy Results for XylPhi-PD™ appeare

Afternoon Brief: New Study Shows Pierce’s Disease Investment Saves Winegrape Growers $56 Million Annually

According to a study released today, the California Department of Food and Agricultures Pierces disease (PD) and glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) prevention, control and research efforts save California winegrape growers $56 million annually by reducing losses from the fatal grapevine disease...

Back by popular demand, this year's Sustainable Ag Expo online courses* invite you to learn from top researchers and experts at your convenience. Explore topics like: Advances and Challenges of Breeding Powdery Mildew-Resistant Grape Cultivars Using Tremology to Monitor and Manage Insect Pests Unraveling Climate-Specific Outcomes of Pierce's Disease of Grapevines + 10 more! Approved CE hours: 10 DPR (Other); 12 CCA *2-day ticket holders have access to online courses October 14-November 29, 2024. --- When you attend the Sustainable Ag Expo, you will: Get up to date on the latest grower-tested practices Earn up to 20+ Continuing Education (CE) hours Attend two days of in-person seminars Watch 10+ hours of online courses* Gain actionable tips from 40+ top experts and experienced growers Welcome Event November 11, 2024, 5:00-7:00 pm at Center of Effort Winery   Trade Show & Seminars November 12 & 13, 2024, 7:30 am-5:00 pm at Madonna Inn Expo Center

Afternoon Brief: Legislation Signed to Extend Pierce’s Disease Control Program

This week, Governor Newsom signed AB 1861 to extend a vital program within the California Department of Food and Agriculture that protects Californias vineyards and iconic wine industry from pests and disease

Wine Grape Productivity Award Presented to Gene Pierce of Glenora Vineyards

Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association Presents 40th Annual Trophy April 22nd – Gene Pierce has been immensely influential in the success of the Finger Lakes wine and tourism industries. Perhaps most […]