Registration Open for WAVEx Webinar on New Wine Grape Pest 

Webinar will share research findings of a new grape leaffolder pest in Washington 

SEATTLE (February 16, 2021) – The white-headed grape leaffolder is a relatively new pest found in limited Washington wine grape vineyards. Wine grape growers are invited to register for this free, one-hour webinar sponsored by the Washington State Wine Commission and Washington State University that will share the latest research findings on the new leaf-eating caterpillar. The pest was discovered a few years ago in certain vineyards in the Yakima and Columbia Valleys. While leaf-eating caterpillars are commonly found in California and eastern North American vineyards, they have not—until now—been a problem in Washington. Thus far, pest populations have been localized in a small number of vineyards, However, near defoliation of young vineyards from the white-headed grape leaffolder has occurred and there is potential for contamination of fruit from the caterpillars. 

Dr. David James, entomologist from Washington State University, will share his findings from three years of study of the pest. His research is working to determine the economic impact of the pest, population densities that impact yields and fruit quality and when control methods are necessary. James will also identify effective insecticides that fit integrated pest management strategies and have minimal impact on beneficial insects. 

His research is funded by Washington State University, the Auction of Washington Wines and all Washington wine grape growers and wineries through the Washington State Wine Commission. 

Washington Advancements in Viticulture and Enology (WAVE) is the Washington State Wine Commission’s seminar and webinar series focused on wine research. WAVEx is the condensed, shorter webinar series. 

Register for the free WAVEx webinar here. 

For additional information, contact Melissa Hansen, Research Program Director at mhansen@washingtonwine.org. 

About the Washington State Wine Commission: The Washington State Wine Commission (WSWC) represents every licensed winery and wine grape grower in Washington State. Guided by an appointed board, WSWC provides a marketing platform to raise positive awareness about the Washington wine industry and generate greater demand for its wines. Funded almost entirely by the industry through assessments based on grape and wine sales, WSWC is a state government agency, established by the legislature in 1987. To learn more, visit www.washingtonwine.org.