Serious outbreak of Viteus vitifoliae in California
A serious outbreak of Viteus vitifoliae (EPPO A2 pest) has been reported from the vine growing regions of California, Napa and Sonoma. The outbreak is due to the occurrence of a new biotype of the pest which has the capability to overcome the resistance of the dominantly used grapevine rootstocks in California.
Estimations predict that 70% of the 28.000 ha of vineyards in Napa and Sonoma will have to be replaced during the next years at an estimated cost of $ 1 billion. It is also predicted that the grape supply will decrease by 30-40% during the next years.
Sources
Los Angeles Times, 1992-07-30