Pierce's Disease
Research Updates

piercesdisease.cdfa.ca.gov

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.

glassy-winged sharpshooter

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

ASEV National Conference Grapevine Virus Sessions

The PD/GWSS Board is sponsoring a session on grapevine viruses at the American Society for Enology and Viticulture National Conference in Monterey on June 19, 2025. Also of interest and relevance is the AJEV Best Viticulture Paper Author Presentation also happening on June 19 and a session on red blotch virus on June 18. Review the full agenda on the conference website.
Read More →

PD/GWSS Board and PD Advisory Task Force Meeting

Date: July 1, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Peter Christensen Conference Room, Trinchero Family Estates Building, 501 Hopkins Road, Davis, California 95616
Read More →
PD Advisory Task Force Grapevine Virus Committee Meeting

Date: June 25, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Peter Christensen Conference Room, Trinchero Family Estates Building, 501 Hopkins Road, Davis, California 95616
Read More →
PD Advisory Task Force Grapevine Virus Committee Meeting

Date: September 17, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Peter Christensen Conference Room, Trinchero Family Estates Building, 501 Hopkins Road, Davis, California 95616
Read More →
National Academy of Sciences Grapevine Virus Research Review

The National Academy of Sciences conducted a comprehensive review of leafroll and red blotch virus research at the request of the PD/GWSS Board. Read the full report, the report highlights, review project details and view webinar recordings from meetings with researchers on the project website.
Read More →

View Past Announcements

Where to go from here

  • Apply for Grants

    Read the PD/GWSS Board’s Request for Proposals and apply.

  • Resources

    Find a variety of sources with information on Pierce's Disease, as well as information on funding agencies.

  • Search

    Search the online resources for information related to Pierce's Disease.