Michelle M. Moyer

Education

• Ph.D. – 2011 – Cornell University; Plant Pathology
• B.Sc. – 2005  – University of Wisconsin-Madison; (1) Genetics, and (2) Plant Pathology

My program blends Extension (70%) and applied research (30%), that targets knowledge gaps and needs across all sectors of the grape industry: growers, crop consultants, and support industries (manufacturers, suppliers). To effectively achieve these targets, I emphasize: (i) Developing durable, peer-reviewed resources targeted to all knowledge levels; and (ii) Being responsive and proactive to industry needs through engagement in industry locally and nationally. My applied research bridges foundational understanding of pest biology and plant physiology, with practical application in commercial grape production systems. 

I am also the current Project Director for the USDA-NIFA-SCRI Project # 2024-51181-43184 titled “Pathogen Monitoring and Disease Management Within a Vineyard FRAMEwork.” Check out the project efforts, people, and progress at: https://framenetworks.wsu.edu/

Departments and Affiliations

• Faculty Member, Department of Viticulture and Enology, Washington State University
• Affiliate Faculty Member
  • Department of Horticulture, Washington State University
  • Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State University
• Adjunct Faculty Member – Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University

Awards

• 2024 – American Phytopathological Society: Excellence in Extension Award
• 2024 – WSU CAHNRS Team Interdisciplinary Award: Perennial Crops Spray Application Team  (with Lav Khot and Gwen Hoheisel)
• 2023 – TOAST WA! Emerging Leaders Award
• 2023 – WSU CAHNRS Faculty Excellence in Extension Award
• 2022 – American Society for Enology and Viticulture Best Paper – Viticulture
• 2020 – American Society for Enology and Viticulture Extension Distinction Award

Teaching

• Guest Lecturer in various courses, including: Vit 113, PlPa 300, Vit 409, Vit 433, and Hort 521
• Instructor, Hort 509 and 510 (3 semesters)

Graduate Students

Current Students:

Jesse Stevens (M.Sc. 2024-x2026).

Former Students:

Dr. Bernadette Gagnier (Ph.D. 2020-2024): Reducing Meloidogyne hapla (Northern Root-knot Nematode) Using Cover Crops, Fallow Periods, and Vitis spp. Rootstocks. Bernie was the 2022 American Society for Enology and Viticulture Presidential Scholar. She is now in Grower Relations with GALLO. (New York)

Dr. Alexa McDaniel (Ph.D. 2019-2023): Alternative Pest Management Technologies for Erysiphe necator and Pseudococcus maritimus in Vitis vinifera Wine Grape Production. Lexie was a  USDA-FFAR Fellow. She is now a Viticulture Extension agent at North Carolina State University.  (North Carolina)

Dr. Margaret McCoy (Ph.D. 2016-2021): Assessing Sprayer Technology and Grower Education in Washington Viticulture. MArgaret was a 2019 recipient of a USDA-NIFA-AFRI Predoctoral Fellowship, and is currently the Washington lab manager for True Organic Products. (Washington)

Dr. Katherine East (Ph.D. 2015-2019): Life Cycle and Management of Meloidogyne hapla (Northern Root-knot Nematode) in Washington Wine Grape Vineyards. Katherine is Soil Health Educator for the Soil Health Institute (Washington)

Jesus Ramos (M.Ag. 2016-2019): Plant Health Management Option – Mealybug Management in Vineyards. Jesus is currently a viticulturist with ApicalTexas. (Texas)

Matt Frank (M.Ag. 2015-2018): Plant Health Management Option – Grapevine Trunk Diseases. Matt is currently the Director of Vineyard Operations for Trinchero Family Estates. (California)

Eric Gale (M.Sc. 2013-2016): Cold Hardiness of Vitis vinifera Roots. Eric owns and operates Anchored Roots Vineyard and Winery. (Wisconsin)

Brittany Komm (M.Sc. 2011-2014): Impacts of Early Fruit-zone Leaf Removal in Eastern Washington Vineyards. Brittany is currently a viticulturist for Allan Brothers Fruits. (Washington)

Lab Personnel

Current Personnel:

Maria Mireles, Research Technician (2018-current): Lab coordination, and focusing on research in fungicide resistance (FRAME Network), and general vineyard IPM.

Former Personnel:

Dr. Charlotte Oliver, Project Manager (2019-2022): FRAME Network, focusing on project administration, applied fungicide research, and grower outreach. Charlotte is now a Viticulture Extension Educator at Colorado State University.

Jensena Newhouse, Research Technician (2012-2018): Focusing on research in pesticide efficacy, nematode extractions, and fruit analyses. Jensena is currently a Law Enforcement Dispatcher for the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office (Washington).

Ashley Boren, Research Intern (2016-2017): Focusing on vineyard cultural practices and nematode management. Ashley is currently the Associate Winemaker at Eco Terreno (California).

Dr. Hemant Gohil, Information Technology Transfer Specialist (2013-2014). Dr. Gohil is currently a County Extension Agent at Rutgers University. (New Jersey)

Organizations

National:

• American Society for Enology and Viticulture
  • Interim President 2024-2025
  • President 2023-2024
  • Executive Team (2nd VP, 2021-2022, 1st VP 2022-2023)
  • Board of Directors – 2018-2021
  • Associate Editor for American Journal of Enology and Viticulture
• American Society for Enology and Viticulture Foundation
  • Board of Directors: 2023-2024
• American Phytopathological Society
  • Senior Editor for Plant Disease (2022-2025)
• National Grape Research Alliance
  • Natural Resources and Environment Committee (2023-2026)
  • Extension and Outreach Committee (2017-2023)
• National Clean Plant Network – Tier 2 Grape Committee
  •  Board 2020-2023
• Lead21 – Class 18

State:

• Washington State Grape Society
  • Board Member, December 2012-Current
• Washington Winegrowers Association
  • Education/Annual Meeting Committee

Local:

• Prosser Economic Development Association
  • Board Member (WSU-IAREC Representative), December 2012- December 2022

Publications

Journal Articles (Peer-Reviewed):

Publications can also be viewed at Google Scholar.

Extension Publications (Peer-Reviewed):

WSU and PNW Extension Publications can also be viewed by visiting: https://pubs.extension.wsu.edu/ and searching for the publication title or number.

Hoheisel, G.A. and M.M. Moyer. (eds). Pest Management Guide for Grapes in Washington. (Updated Annually). WSU Extension Publication #EB0762. Washington State University.

McIlquham, M., M.M. Moyer, J. Davenport, D. Rippner, D. Geraldi, T. Potter, L. Michel, and D. Griffin LaHue. 2023. Soil Health in Washington Vineyards. WSU Extension Publishing #FS378e. Washington State University.

Moyer, M.M, and S. O’Neal. (eds). 2022. Field Guide for Integrated Pest Management in Pacific Northwest Vineyards – 2nd Edition, Pacific Northwest Extension Publication #PNW644. Washington State University.

McCoy, M., G. Hoheisel., and M.M. Moyer. 2021. Spray Nozzle Demonstration Curriculum. WSU Extension Publishing #EC010e. Washington State University.

Hoheisel, G.A., L. Khot, M.M. Moyer, and S. Castagnoli. 2021. Six Steps to Calibrate and Optimize Airblast Sprayers for Orchards and Vineyards. PNW Extension Publishing #PNW749. Washington State University.

McCoy, M., M.M. Moyer, and G. Hoheisel. 2020. Common Interchangeable Nozzles for Perennial Crop Canopy Sprayers. WSU Extension Publishing #FS352e. Washington State University.

Gale, E. and M.M. Moyer. 2020. Field Grafting Grapevines in Washington State. WSU Extension Publishing #EM121e. Washington State University.

Moyer, M.M., C. Oliver, and G.G. Grove. Revised 2020. Botrytis Bunch Rot in Commercial Washington Grape Production: Biology and Disease Management. WSU Extension Publication #FS046e. Washington State University. Also en Español.

Moyer, M.M., L.M. Mills, G.A. Hoheisel, and M. Keller. Revised 2019. Assessing and Managing Cold Damage in Washington Vineyards. WSU Extension Publication #EM042e. Washington State University. Original publication 2011. Also en Español.

Singer, S.D., J. Davenport, G.A. Hoheisel, and M.M. Moyer. 2018. Vineyard Nutrient Management in Washington State. WSU Extension Publishing #EM111e. Washington State University.

Moyer, M.M., and C. Cooper. 2017. Wholesale Buyers Guide to Washington Grapevine Quarantines. WSU Extension Publishing #FS286e. Washington State University.

Moyer, M.M. and G.A. Hoheisel. (eds). 2016. Vine to Wine (Video Series). WSU Extension Publication #OM41. Washington State University.

Gohil, H., M. Keller and M.M. Moyer. 2016. On-Farm Vineyard Trials: A Grower’s Guide. WSU Extension Publication #EM098e. Washington State University.

Hoheisel, G.A. and M.M. Moyer. 2015. Grapevine Management Under Drought Conditions. WSU Extension Publication #EM4831e. Washington State University.

Komm, B.L., and M.M. Moyer. 2015. Vineyard Yield Estimation. WSU Extension Publication #EM086e. Washington State University. Also en Español.

Moyer, M.M., S. O’Neal, J. Davenport, and D. Walsh. 2014. Washington State Juice Grape Sustainability Report Card. WSU Extension Publication #EM085. Washington State University.

Moyer, M.M, and S. O’Neal. (eds). 2014. Field Guide for Integrated Pest Management in Pacific Northwest Vineyards: Pocket Version (Spanish-English). Pacific Northwest Extension Publication #PNW654. Washington State University.

Moyer, M.M., G. Moulton, and T. Henick-Kling. 2014. Growing Winegrapes in Maritime Western Washington. WSU Extension Publication #EM068e. Washington State University.

Moyer, M.M., and S. O’Neal. (eds). 2013. Field Guide for Integrated Pest Management in Pacific Northwest Vineyards. Pacific Northwest Extension Publication #PNW644. Washington State University.

Moyer, M.M., R.T. Peters, and R. Hamman. 2013. Irrigation Basics for Eastern Washington Vineyards. WSU Extension Publication #EM061e. Washington State University. Also en Español.

Moyer, M.M., and G.G. Grove. 2012. Powdery Mildew in Eastern Washington Commercial Grape Production: Biology and Disease Management. WSU Extension Publication #EM058e. Washington State University. Also en Español.

Moyer, M.M., and G.G. Grove. 2012. Powdery Mildew in Western Washington Commercial Grape Production: Biology and Disease Management. WSU Extension Publication #EM059e. Washington State University.

Moyer, M.M., C. Kaiser,  J. Davenport, and P.A. Skinkis. 2012. Considerations and Resources for Vineyard Establishment in the Inland Pacific Northwest. PNW Extension Publication #PNW634. Washington State University.

Extension Newsletters:

Moyer, M.M., (ed). Viticulture and Enology Extension News. WSU V&E Extension Bi-annual Newsletter.

White Papers / Conference Proceedings:

Caffi, T., V. Rossi, and G. Fedele (eds). 2022. Proceedings of the 9th International Workshop on Grapevine Downy and Powdery Mildews. July 20-22, 2022. Cremona, Italy.

• • • Influence of sustainability programs on fungicide stewardship practices in Pacific Northwest United States vineyards. Authors: C.L. Oliver and M.M. Moyer
    • Improving Confidence and Understanding of Fungicide Program Design in USA Grape Growers Through Peer-Interactive Extension Programming. Author: M.M. Moyer
    • Rapid sampling technique to monitor Erysiphe necator more effective than visual scouting. Authors: Sarah R. Lowder, Tara M. Neill, Timothy M. Miles, Michelle M. Moyer, Charlotte Oliver, Shunping Ding and Walter F. Mahaffee
    • UV-C Light as a Tool to Manage Grape Powdery Mildew. Authors: A. Wong, M. Moyer, D. Gadoury and W. Mahaffee
    • The role of sprayer design and education in controlling Erysiphe necator. Authors: G. A. Hoheisel and M.M. Moyer
    • Alternative Disease Management Approaches: Best Implemented Before the “Critical Window” for Erysiphe necator in Eastern Washington? Authors: A. L. McDaniel, L. Khot and M. M. Moyer

Moyer, M.M., and W.F. Mahaffee (eds). 2017. Proceedings of the 8^th International Workshop on Grapevine Downy and Powdery Mildew. Jul 17-19, 2017. Corvallis, OR, USA.

Moyer, M.M., and S. O’Neal. 2014. Pest Management Strategic Plan for Washington State Wine Grape Production. Western Region IPM Center, USDA-NIFA.

Moyer, M.M., N. Rayapati, and R. Steigmeyer. 2014. Field Guide to Clean Plants & Quarantines for Grapes in Washington State. Washington Wine Industry Foundation. Funded by: Washington State Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

Trade Journal Articles:

Moyer, M.M., C. Oliver, P. Brannen, T. Miles, S. Lowder, and M. Lewis Ivey. Dialing in Disease Control. Good Fruit Grower. November 2021: 24-27.

Moyer, M., M. Cooper, P. Brannen, W. Mahaffee, M. Lewis Ivey, T. Miles and C. Oliver. Good To Know: Why Some Seasons are Worse for Powdery Mildew. Good Fruit Grower. October 2019: 50-53.

Moyer, M., T. Martinson, and L. Cadle-Davidson. Disease Resistant Varieties are on the Way. Wine Business Monthly. May 2019: 76-83.

Hansen, M, and M. Moyer. Basic Training for Combating Mildew. Wine Business Monthly. March 2019: 84-91.