Pierce's Disease

Pierce's disease of grapevine causes wilting, scorching, and eventual death of infected vines through bacterial pathogen transmitted by sharpshooter leafhoppers. Remove infected vines immediately to prevent spread. Control insect vectors to limit disease transmission. Select resistant varieties where available. Once established, management focuses on removing infected plants. Monitor your plants closely and implement integrated management strategies. Prompt removal of infected material helps limit disease spread.

Cultural management is your first line: remove infected material, clean up debris, and improve the growing environment to make conditions less favorable for the pathogen. Avoid wounding plants during maintenance, as many pathogens enter through fresh cuts. Chemical options are available for severe cases, but they work best as preventive treatments applied before symptoms appear.