Identifying Oklahoma grape producers' knowledge of Pierce's disease

Abstract

In 2008, Pierce's disease was discovered in Oklahoma in a backyard garden. Limited research regarding Pierce's disease has been done to monitor the disease throughout the state. In 2008-2009 and in 2016-2017, two surveys were conducted based on suspect grape samples being submitted to the diagnostic lab for verification of the bacterium causing Pierce's disease, Xylella fastidiosa. With the disease being relatively new to the state, it is important to monitor knowledge of the disease among growers, as well as presence. This research was done using a questionnaire that was distributed via email link to n=63 producers. There was n=18 complete responses from 14 Oklahoma counties that could be analyzed. Although there were no new counties to report having Pierce's disease, analysis showed Oklahoma grape producers need more education regarding integrated pest management practices (IPM) and insect vector identification. It is important to note, there could be more vineyards that have the disease, but since producers' do not know how to identify symptoms, damage and vectors it is going undetected. The findings of this survey help determine Oklahoma grape producers' knowledge of Pierce's disease, ability to identify Pierce's disease, and ability to identify insect vectors for Pierce's disease. In addition, the purpose was to understand Oklahoma grape producers' knowledge and use of integrated pest management techniques.