New Pest Threatens Organic Winemaking

[Craig Camp]

Viticulturists say it can be controlled, but only through heavy and regular applications of potent insecticides. That will prove a major problem in Napa and Sonoma counties, where increasing numbers of growers are switching to organic methods in a bid to maximize the value of their crops.

[Florida Jim]

Viticulturists say it can be controlled, but only through heavy and regular applications of potent insecticides. That will prove a major problem in Napa and Sonoma counties, where increasing numbers of growers are switching to organic methods in a bid to maximize the value of their crops.

What is "it?"

Best, Jim

[Craig Camp]

from the article:

First there was phylloxera, then the glassy-winged sharpshooter. Now a third sap-sucking insect is menacing the fabulously valuable vineyards of the Napa Valley: the vine mealybug. Like its predecessors, the mealybug is minute and easy to overlook -- until vines start declining.

[Farmer Dave]

There is a chance that parasitic wasps might control them during a long enough

portion of their life cycle to knock them down.....and pheromone traps are an option....those 2 methods with absolute stringent field and machinery sanitation..I wish them the best....it is not going to be easy ..