What is Pierce's Disease?

Pierce’s Disease is a bacterial infection, which is spread by bugs that feed on grapevines, particularly the "glassy winged sharpshooter." Grapevines that become infected with PD can quickly become sick and die.

About Pierce's Disease

Pierce's Disease is a deadly disease of grapevines. It is caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, which is spread by xylem feeding leafhoppers known as sharpshooters. Pierce's Disease is known to be prevalent within the USA from Florida to California, and outside the USA in Central and South America. Xylella fastidiosa works by blocking the xylem, which conducts the water around the plant. Symptoms include chlorosis and scorching of leaves, and entire vines will die after 1-5 years. Pierce's Disease is less prevalent where winter temperatures are cold, such as more northern areas, high altitudes and inland areas.

Announcements

Meeting of the PD/GWSS Board Meeting & Pierce's Disease Advisory Task Force
posted on: Mon Jun 15, 2009

Date: Monday, June 22, 2009
Time: 10:00 am - 3:15 pm
Location: Auditorium, California Department of Food & Agriculture, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Contact: Janet LeMasters (916) 651-0253

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2008 Pierce's Disease Symposium Presentations
posted on: Mon May 11, 2009
Areawide Suppression
of the Glassy-winged Sharpshooter - Beth Stone Smith Pierce's Disease Conference 2008 Every year, the CDFA/GWSS Board organizes a research symposium in San Diego focused on Pierce’s Disease and its vectors. At this gathering, growers and researchers meet to solve the threat posed by Pierce’s Disease and discuss the latest research aimed at stopping it’s spread.
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View Past Announcements

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