Initiatives Exotic Pests

Pierce's Disease / Glassy Winged Sharp Shooter

California Department of Food and Agriculture
Pierce's Disease / Glassy Winged Sharp Shooter Board Research
Highlights - August 2007

There have been additional finds of adult GWSS in Tulare County on July 12 and 18. So far this year, six adults have been found outside of the infested area at four different trap sites. As of July 25, all acreage, 437 acres in total, within a half mile of all four sites has been treated.

Why was the Winegrape Assessment Lowered?
On June 28, the PD/GWSS Board voted to reduce the winegrape assessment to $1.50 per thousand dollars of value for the 2007 harvest. According to Board Chair Ben Drake, estimates for the upcoming harvest are pointing to it being large enough to still bring in over $4 million for research, even with a lower assessment. "We felt that in light of the current crop estimates, we could lower the assessment while still reaching our research funding goals," said Drake.

For more information on the CDFA PD/GWSS Board or to participate in the online forum, visit www.pdgwss.net or contact Nicole Stivers at Brown Miller Communications via e-mail at nicole@brownmillerpr.com or phone (925) 370-9777.