SVWebsite

Pierce’s Disease (PD) is a lethal, vector borne bacterial disease of grapevines that has emerged as a serious threat to California’s US $2.8 billion dollar Viticultural industry. The main vectors of PD are xylem feeding insects commonly known as sharpshooters. Recent devastation of vineyards in Southern California is attributed to the introduction of a new pest, the glassy-winged sharpshooter (Homalodisca coagulata) (GWSS). The bacterium that causes PD (Xylella fastidiosa) carried by GWSS have not been recorded in Australia.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment – Institute of Horticultural Development undertook a nation wide study of the potential viticultural regions that could be threatened by this disease. The study predicts the potential distribution of the GWSS in Australia based on US data. Citrus is the preferred breeding and feeding host of the GWSS and has significantly attributed to the spread of PD in Southern California.

Californians are now reviewing the risk of growing grapes near citrus orchards.

Spatial Vision compiled and created a national data set of existing viticultural and citrus regions.  CSIRO climatic data was interpolated to develop a layer of potential sites for infestation.

Spatial Vision provided draft and final report maps together with statistical data to support the study.