San Diego, Calif. -- The California Department of Food and Agriculture brought together top researchers, concerned grapegrowers and other industry stakeholders to share insights and progress reports on the continuing battle against Pierce's disease (PD). Held in San Diego on Dec. 12-14, this seventh annual symposium drew attendance of more than 150 from around the world, to hear speakers on diverse approaches to the problem; chat with researchers who had posted their findings, and, perhaps most helpfully, engage in roundtable conversations with their peers.

California Secretary of Agriculture A.G. Kawamura welcomed attendees.

Raul Villanueva researched leafhoppers in North Carolina.

Dr. Roger Innes, University of Indiana, chaired the research review.

Jesse de León (left) discussed GWSS predators. PHOTOS: Ken Freeze

PD's notorious vector, the glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS)--and potential methods of eradicating or neutralizing it--was the target for most of the symposium's first full day. Xylella fastidiosa, the bacteria that causes PD in grapevines and variegated chlorosis in citrus, was the focus of the second morning, with presentations on genetic controls and disease identification in the afternoon. The symposium is held each year to foster communication, so that all can benefit from each other's progress.

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