news and research about Pierce's Disease

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.

Behavioral and physiological determinants of the geographical range of the glassy-winged sharpshooter

  • Author(s): Luck, Robert; Coviella, Carlos; Andersen, Peter; Mizell, Russell;
  • Abstract: This project concerns the important behavioral and physiological mechanisms of glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) and its parasite, Gonatocerus spp. that affect overwintering survival and determine geographical range potential. An understanding of these mechanisms would enable researchers to predict the host range of GWSS during the dormant season, the potential for colonization by GWSS and Gonatocerus spp. of specific geographical locations in relation to ecological and climate and weather factors, and the potential survivorship of GWSS under specific weather conditions.
  • Publication Date: Aug 2003
  • Journal: 2003 Pierce's Disease Research Symposium