WDC32: Viticulture
(Multistate Research Coordinating Committee and Information Exchange Group)
Status: Inactive/Terminating
WDC32: Viticulture
Duration: 10/01/2013 to 09/30/2014
Administrative Advisor(s):
NIFA Reps:
Non-Technical Summary
Statement of Issues and Justification
Grapes (both wine and table) are increasingly important throughout many western states both is area planted and in economic value. In the recent past, grapes have been threatened by an increasing number of insect pest and pathogens. Many of these have been newly invading species with origins elsewhere around the world. More invading species are anticipated in the future with increased trade and travel and those already established have the potential to spread beyond their current ranges.
At this time, the response to grape pests and diseases (particularly newly invading species) is fragmented among the western states. A new WERA has the potential to be extremely beneficial in providing coordination among research and outreach efforts. Significantly, it also has the potential to become an important and much needed interface between the land-grant community and other entities involved when a new invader is discovered (e.g. federal and state regulatory agencies, commodity groups) and rapid action is often necessary. As it develops, the WERA targeting grapes would provide a model and serve in a leadership role for enhancing such relationships focused on other crops and other regions.