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The WAVEx-Grape Virus Detection seminar is a condensed version of the Washington Advancements in Viticulture and Enology research seminar.

January 31, 2020

2 Min Read
view between two rows of a vineyard
VIRUS SEMINAR: Winegrape growers can take part in a virus detection seminar slated for February. The program aims to share the latest research findings on virus management and other tools. Getty Images

Washington winegrape growers and winemakers are invited to an upcoming seminar focused on grapevine viruses, a major research priority for the state’s wine industry.

Registration is open for the WAVEx-Grape Virus Detection seminar. This is a condensed version of the Washington Advancements in Viticulture and Enology research seminar. WAVEx will be held Feb. 19 at Washington State University’s Prosser, Wash., research station.

The industry-funded virus research led by Naidu Rayapati, WSU plant pathologist, and Doug Walsh, WSU entomologist, works to develop ways to manage viruses in the vineyard. If a grapevine is infected with a virus, there is now a cure. This has historically meant that the first line of defense is simply using clean plant material when planting a vineyard. Yet, in recent years, young vineyards planted with clean stock have shown virus symptoms within a few years of planting.

The what and why of viruses

The three-hour WAVEx research seminar will share the latest findings from Rayapati, including what’s behind the viral spread in young vineyards; nonpesticidal intervention strategies; the phenomics of grapevine responses to viral infections, including impacts on crop yield and fruit quality; and the results of vineyard surveys for other emerging viruses.

Walsh will share what he learned about potential resistance of grape mealybug to a widely used crop protection chemical; pest management strategies for the buffalo treehopper, a possible vector of red blotch virus; and his work to quantify the efficiency of grape mealybug as a vector for leafroll virus.

The session will also share practical virus testing information including how, when, and what to sample to confirm virus in grapevines; how to interpret testing results; and a demonstration of laboratory testing methods. The seminar will conclude with a grower-led discussion on priorities for future virus testing.

The cost for the seminar is $25. Register at washingtonwine.org/research/wave.

Co-sponsored by the Wine Commission and Washington State University, the annual research seminars are designed to bring viticulture and enology research results into the hands of users, and raise awareness of the value of research among grape growers and winemakers.

Source: Washington State Wine,, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.

 

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