IMPORTANCE OF GROUND VEGETATION IN THE DISPERSAL AND OVERWINTERING OF XYLELLA FASTIDIOSA

• Author(s): Daane, Kent; Purcell, Alexander; Ruiz, Tarcisio; Shapland, Elaine; Wistrom, Christina; Yokota, Glenn;
• Abstract: The purpose of this project is to determine the ability of alternate host plants, specifically weeds, in almonds and vineyards to serve as reservoirs for Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) and for new inoculations by the glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS). We collected and analyzed weed and GWSS samples in and around commercial vineyard and almond fields for the presence of Xf on a monthly basis. Xf has been recovered from weeds collected during February and March, while no collected weeds tested positive for the presence of Xf between April and September. Monthly ground cover sampling will continue through the winter, as this time period may prove most important in the persistence of Xf over consecutive growing seasons. GWSS collected from alternate host plants have also been processed for Xf and have shown that adults collected on many species harbor Xf in their mouthparts. Results from these experiments will help to identify what time of year and what ground cover species are of most concern to growers wanting to control the spread of PD with minimal environmental impact.
• Publication Date: Dec 2004
• Journal: 2004 Pierce's Disease Research Symposium