CDFA Pierce's Disease / Glassy-winged Sharpshooter Board

05/01/2026

Lures for spotted lanternfly have so far eluded researchers. But among the many excellent projects funded by the Pierce's Disease / Glassy-winged Sharpshooter Board outlined in its 2025 Research Projects at a Glance report, on page 16, find an overview of hopeful research on the signals SLF produce during routine behaviors and how they can be used as lures to detect, trap and manage the pest. For example, researchers are developing a prototype device to mimic the vibrations of honeydew ejection.
https://tinyurl.com/2azx5c9w

04/29/2026

Dr. Buddhi Achhami has been named Supervisor of CDFA’s Arvin Biocontrol Facility, leading efforts to produce and release beneficial insects that help control GWSS and protect vineyards. Learn more: https://conta.cc/4mjtesu

04/27/2026

The PD/GWSS Board’s 2025 Research Projects at a Glance report is now available, offering a snapshot of the latest research working to protect California vineyards from pests & diseases. https://bit.ly/PD-Board-Research-25

04/22/2026

What’s next for winegrape pest & disease research? The PD/GWSS Board will review 27 proposals at its 4/29 meeting, with a continued focus on protecting vineyards & strengthening the future of the wine industry. Learn more: https://conta.cc/4mjtesu

04/20/2026

🎥👀 On the Research Front: Tapping into the grapevine’s natural defenses. This project is working to develop Pierce’s disease-resistant vines using the plant’s own immune system. Watch now to see how this research could strengthen vineyard resilience.

A project update on "Using the native grapevine immune system to generate Pierce’s disease resistant grapevines" with Dr. Caroline Roper. Learn more about re...

04/16/2026

🎥👀 On the Research Front: Advancing DNA-free genome editing in grapevines. This research is exploring new ways to improve vines without introducing foreign DNA. Watch now to see how this approach could shape future vineyard innovation.

A project update on "Developing an efficient DNA-free, non-transgenic genome editing methodology in grapevine" with Dr. Laurent Deluc. Learn more about resea...

04/15/2026

🎥👀 On the Research Front: Building new tools for grapevine improvement. This project is developing a protoplast-based platform to introduce valuable traits into grapevines. Watch now to see how this research is moving toward real-world application.

An project update on "Development of a protoplasts-based platform to knock-in agriculture relevant genes into grapevines" with Juan Debernardi. Learn more ab...

04/12/2026

This time of year, keep an eye out for spotted lanternfly nymphs. Learn more about the pest & see pictures at www.cdfa.ca.gov/pdcp/slf

04/11/2026

This time of year, keep an eye out for spotted lanternfly egg masses. Learn more about the invasive pest & see pictures at www.cdfa.ca.gov/pdcp/slf

04/07/2026

Vine mealybug (Planococcus ficus) has become one of the most economically damaging pests in California vineyards. Left unmanaged, infestations can reduce yield, weaken vines, lower sugar content and spread viruses like leafroll, which contribute to sudden grapevine collapse.
The good news is effective control is possible with the right timing and integrated approach. Learn more here:
https://americanvineyardmagazine.com/vine-mealybug-control-in-california-vineyards/

04/02/2026

Join a Grower Field Day on April 8 to explore real-world red blotch strategies, tools & collaboration, hosted by Napa Valley Grapegrowers. 🔗Register:

Trade Resources: Speakers | Press | Sponsors ​ Copyright Napa Valley Grapegrowers.  All Rights Reserved.  831 Latour Court, Suite A |  Napa, CA 94558 Phone: (707) 944-8311 |...

03/24/2026

Keeping glassy-winged sharpshooter populations low in infested areas helps protect vineyards statewide. In 2025, the Pierce’s Disease Control Program treated 5,300+ urban properties in Fresno, Madera & Tulare counties to reduce pressure on nearby vineyards & limit spread. More info: https://conta.cc/4kYt9tC