Grapes -
Pierce's Disease
Pierce's Disease (bacterium - rickettsia-like): Early
summer symptoms include delayed shoot growth, leaf mottling, and dwarfing
of new shoots. Late summer and fall symptoms are burning, scalding, or drying
of leaves; wilting or premature coloring of fruit; and uneven cane maturity.
Ribier is very susceptible, usually dying within two years. Thompson seedless
and most other French (Vinifera) varieties die within two to five years. American
(Lambrusca) varieties often live longer than five years. No effective control
is known. Pierce's disease is spread by several types of leafhoppers, by the
spittlebug, and by grafting. Seventy-three plant species serve as disease
reservoirs and hosts for these vectors.