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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. 

Departments and Affiliations

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

Awards

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:

Bernadette Gagnier (Ph.D. 2020-x2024): Alternative Nematode Management Strategies. Bernie is the 2022 American Society for Enology and Viticulture Presidential Scholar.

Jesse Stevens (M.Sc. 2024-x2026)

Former Students:

Dr. Alexa McDaniel (Ph.D. 2019-2023): Alternative Sprayer Systems for Washington Vineyards. 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)

Publications

Publications can also be viewed at Google Scholar.

Journal Articles (Peer-Reviewed):

Oliver, C,, M. Cooper, M. Lewis Ivey, P. Brannen, T. Miles, W. Mahaffee, and M.M. Moyer.  Fungicide Use Patterns in Select United States Wine Grape Production Regions. Plant Dis. (First Look). DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-04-23-0798-RE

Lowder, S.R, T. M. Neill, A.B. Peetz, T.M. Miles, M.M. Moyer, C. Oliver, I. Stergiopoulos, S. Ding, and W. Mahaffee. 2023. A Rapid Glove-Based Inoculum Sampling Technique to Monitor Erysiphe necator in Commercial Vineyards. Plant Dis. 10:3096-3105. DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-02-23-0216-RE

Sharma, M., T. Neill, H-C.Yang, C. Oliver, W. Mahaffee, R. Naegele, M.M. Moyer, and T.D. Miles. 2023. Development of a Competitive PNA-LNA-LAMP Assay to Detect a SNP Associated with QoI Resistance in Erysiphe necator. Plant Disease – First Look. DOI:10.1094/PDIS-09-22-2027-RE

Schreiner, P., M.M. Moyer, K.A. East, and I.A. Zasada. 2023. Managing Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Arid Columbia Basin Vineyards of the Pacific Northwest United States. Am. J. Enol. Vitic. 74:0740020. DOI: 10.5344/ajev.2023.23005

Hobbs, M.B., S.M. Vengco, S.L. Bolton, L.J. Bettiga, M.M. Moyer, and M.C. Cooper. 2023. Meeting the Challenge of Viral Disease Management in the US Wine Grape Industries of California and Washington: Demystifying Decision-Making, Fostering Agricultural Networks, and Optimising Educational Resources. Aus. J. Grape Wine Res. 2023:7534116. DOI: 10.1155/2023/7534116

Cifizzari, K.P., M.M. Moyer, and  T.E. Cheeke. 2023. Growth responses of potted Vitis vinifera vines differ to a mycorrhizal fungal inoculant product and phosphorous fertilizer. HortScience 58: 643-650. DOI: 10.21273/HORTSCI17114-23

Baumgartner, K., R. Travadon, P.T. Fujiyoshi, M. Mireles, and M.M. Moyer. 2023. Preventing Trunk Diseases with Fungicide Applications to Pruning Wounds in Washington Wine Grapes. Am. J. Enol. Vitic. 74: 0740007. DOI: 10.5344/ajev.2022.22019

Londo, J.,* M.M. Moyer*, M. Mireles, L. Mills, M. Keller, B.A. Workmaster, A. Atucha, and A. Kovaleski. 2023. Evaluation of Sample Preparation Practices Common with Differential Thermal Analysis of Grapevine Bud Cold Hardiness. Am. J. Enol. Vitic. .

Travadon, R., D.P. Lawrence, M.M. Moyer, P.T. Fujiyoshi, and K. Baumgartner. 2022. Fungal species associated with grapevine trunk diseases in Washington wine grapes and California table grapes, with novelties in the genera Cadophora, Cytospora, and Sporocadus. Frontiers in Fungal Biology.  3:1018140. DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2022.1018140

Hobbs, M.B., S.M. Vengco, S.L. Bolton, L.J. Bettiga, M.M. Moyer, and M.C. Cooper. 2022. Adoption of Best Management Practices for Grapevine Leafroll and Red Blotch Diseases: A Survey of West Coast Growers. PhytoFrontiers 2:181-191. DOI: 10.1094/PHYTOFR-07-21-0045-R

Stergiopoulos, I., N. Aoun, Q. van Huynh, T. Neill, S. Lowder, C. Newbold, M.L. Cooper, S. Ding, M.M. Moyer, T.D. Miles, C.L. Oliver, J.R. Urbez-Torres, and W. Mahaffee. 2022. Identification of Putative SDHI Target-Site Mutations in the SDHB, SDHC, and SDHD Subunits of the Grape Powdery Mildew Pathogen Erysiphe necator. Plant Disease 106: 2310-2320. DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-09-21-1993-RE

Pardini, C.A., A. Espiñola-Arredondo, and M.M. Moyer. 2022. Cooperation and Compensation to Mitigate Fungicide Resistance. Am. J. Enol. Vitic. 73:190-105. DOI: 10.5344/ajev.2022.21052

Chandel, A.K., G.A. Hoheisel, M.M. Moyer, M. Keller and L. Khot. 2022. Soil and Climate GIS Data-Derived Risk Mapping for Grape Phylloxera in Washington State. Frontiers in Plant Science. DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.827393

Moyer, M.M.* J.M. Newhouse, and M.S. Mireles. 2022. Performance of Early Fruit-Zone Leaf Removal in Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in an Arid Climate.  Catalyst: Discovery into Practice 6: 20-29. DOI:

McCoy, M.L., G.A. Hoheisel, L.R. Khot, and M.M. Moyer*. 2022. Adjusting Air-Assistance and Nozzle Style for Optimized Airblast Sprayer Use in Eastern Washington Vineyards. Catalyst: Discovery into Practice 6:9-19.

East, K.E., I.A. Zasada, R.P. Schreiner, and M.M. Moyer*. 2021. Irrigation and Rootstocks to Manage Northern Root-Knot Nematode in Wine Grape Vineyard Establishment. Plant Health Progress (Online Only).

McCoy, M.L., G-A. Hoheisel,  L.R. Khot, and M.M. Moyer*. 2021. Assessment of Three Commercial Over-the-Row Sprayer Technologies in Eastern Washington Vineyards. Am. J. Enol. Vitic. 72: 217-229.

Oliver, C.L., M.L. Cooper, M.L. Lewis Ivey, P.M. Brannen, T.D. Miles, W.F. Mahaffee, and M.M. Moyer*. 2021. Assessing the United States Grape Industry’s Understanding of Fungicide Resistance Mitigation Practices. Am. J. Enol. Vitic. 72: 181-193.

East, K.E, I.A. Zasada, J. Tarara, and M.M. Moyer*. 2021. Field Performance of Wine Grape Rootstocks and Fumigation During Establishment Phase in Washington Vineyards. Am. J. Enol. Vitic. 72: 113-125. *AJEV 2022 Best Viticulture Paper*

East, K.E., M.M. Moyer, N.M. Madden, I.A. Zasada. 2019. How Low Can They Go? Plant-Parasitic Nematode Distribution in a Washington Vineyard. Catalyst: Discovery into Practice 3: 31-36.

East, K.E., I. A. Zasada, P. Schreiner, and M.M Moyer*. 2019. Developmental Dynamics of Meloidogyne hapla in Washington Wine Grapes. Plant Dis. 105: 966-971.

Zasada, I.A., A.D. Howland, A.B. Peetz, K. East, and M.M. Moyer. 2019. Vitis spp. Rootstocks are Poor Hosts for Meloidogyne hapla, an Nematode Commonly Found in Washington Winegrape Vineyards. Am. J. Enol. Vitic. 70: 1-8.

Moyer, M.M.*, J. King, and G. Moulton. 2018. Evaluation of Rootstocks on Harvest Metrics of ‘Pinot Noir clone 02A’ Wine Grapes in Maritime Western Washington. HortTechnology 28:830-835.

Badr, G., G. Hoogenboom, M. Abouali, M. Moyer, and M. Keller. 2018. Analysis of Several Bioclimatic Indices for Viticultural Zoning in the Pacific Northwest. Climate Research 76: 203-223.

Moyer, M.M.*, J.M. Newhouse, and G.G. Grove. 2018. Adjusting Product Timing during the Powdery Mildew “Critical Window” to Improve Disease Management. Catalyst: Discovery into Practice: 2: 7-14.

Badr, G., G. Hoogenboom, M. Moyer, M. Keller, R. Rupp, and J. Davenport. 2018. Spatial Suitability Assessment for Vineyard Site Selection Based on Fuzzy Logic. Precision Agriculture 19: 1027-1048.

Gale, E.J. and M.M. Moyer*. 2017. Cold Hardiness of Vitis vinifera Roots. Am. J. Enol. Vitic. 68: 468-477.

Moyer, M.M.*, A.N. Boren, and J.M. Tarara. 2017. Dual Fumigant and Herbicide Use Optimizes Replanting Preparation in a Virus and Nematode-Affected Vineyard. Catalyst: Discovery into Practice: 2: 55-61.

Ricketts, K.D., M.I. Gomez, M.F. Fuchs, T.E. Martinson, R.H. Smith, M.L. Cooper, M.M. Moyer and A. Wise. 2017. Estimating the Economic Impact of Grapevine Red Blotch Disease in California, New York and Washington, and Developing Optimal Management Strategies. Am. J. Enol. Vitic. 68: 127-135.

Moyer, M.M.*, J.M. Newhouse, and G.G. Grove. 2016. Efficacy of Biopesticides and Leaf Removal in Grapevine Powdery Mildew Management. Online. Plant Health Progress. 17: 84-91.

Moyer, M.M., J. Londo, D.M. Gadoury, and L. Cadle-Davidson. 2016. Cold Stress-Induced Disease Resistance (SIDR): Indirect Effects of Low Temperatures on Host-Pathogen Interactions and Disease Progress in the Grapevine Powdery Mildew Pathosystem. Eur. J. Plant Path. 144: 695-705

Moyer, M.M.*, D.M. Gadoury, W.F. Wilcox, and R.C. Seem. 2016. Weather During Critical Epidemiological Periods and Subsequent Severity of Powdery Mildew on Grape Berries. Plant Disease 100: 116-124.

Komm, B.L. and M.M. Moyer*. 2015. Effect of Early Fruit-zone Leaf Removal on Canopy Development and Fruit Quality in Riesling and Sauvignon blanc. Am. J. of Enol. Vitic. 66: 424-434.

Gohil, H. and M.M. Moyer*. 2014. Evaluation of In-Season Applied Heat to Vitis vinifera ‘Merlot’ and ‘Syrah’ in Eastern Washington. HortTechnology 24: 736-742.

Moyer, M.M.*, D.M. Gadoury, W.F. Wilcox, and R.C. Seem. 2014. Release of Erysiphe necator ascospores and impact of early-season disease pressure on Vitis vinifera fruit infection. Am. J. of Enol. Vitic. 65: 315-324

Yau, I-H., J.R. Davenport, M.M. Moyer. 2014. Developing a wine grape site evaluation decision support system for the inland Pacific Northwest. HortTechnology 24: 88-98.

Ferguson, J., M.M. Moyer, L.J. Mills, G. Hoogenboom, and M. Keller. 2014. Modeling dormant bud cold hardiness and budbreak in 23 Vitis genotypes reveals variation by region of origin. Am. J. of Enol. Vit. 65: 59-71.

Moyer, M.M., D.M. Gadoury, L. Cadle-Davidson, I.B. Dry, P. Magarey, W.F. Wilcox,  and R.C. Seem. 2010.  Effects of acute low temperature events on development of Erysiphe necator and susceptibility of Vitis vinifera. Phytopathology 100: 1240-1249.

Moyer, M.M., D.M. Gadoury, W.F. Wilcox, and R.C. Seem. May 2010. Development of an advisory system for grapevine powdery mildew in eastern North America: A reassessment of epidemic progress. Online. Plant Health Progress.

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.

Moyer, M.M., and W.F. Mahaffee (eds). 2017. Proceedings of the 8th 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.

Organizations

National:

State:

Local:

Professor / Viticulture Extension Specialist

WSU Prosser IAREC
24106 N. Bunn Rd.
Prosser, WA 99350-8694
509-786-9234
michelle.moyer@wsu.edu

Grape Production Information

Learn more about growing grapes at: https://wine.wsu.edu/extension/grapes-vineyards/

Viticulture Certificate Program

This 2-yr certificate offers online courses with 3 hands-on (weekend) camps. Offered through WSU Extension and the Viticulture and Enology Program, this certificate is perfect for the busy professional who would like to learn more about grape production. More information at: http://wine.wsu.edu/education/certificate/

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