Date: Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Time: 8:00am – 12:00pm
Venue: Bare Ranch, 19877 Davis Rd, Lodi, CA 95242 (enter via Woodbridge Rd)
Cost: FREE
Credits: 4 hrs DPR CE (OTHER) approved
Description: In Lodi, there are native gray ants and pavement ants facilitating the survival and spread of the vine mealybug, which vectors leafroll virus and vitiviruses. By reducing these ant populations in our vineyards, we can reduce the mealybug populations and slow the spread of leafroll virus and the sudden vine collapse. David Haviland (UCCE), Nathan Mercer, PhD, (CDFA), and Kent Daane, PhD, (UCCE) will discuss their research on a new gel bait ant control method for mealybugs in vineyards, with an in-field demonstration of the new baits and applications. They will present ant bait research results that are specific to Lodi, since IPM for ants differs based on winegrowing region. Dr. Justin Tanner (UCCE) will share his plans for a regional ant IPM demonstration project he is conducting this year along with the Lodi Winegrape Commission, and Dr. Stephanie Bolton will share a regional strategy for healthy vines as it relates to ants, mealybugs, and viruses. Members of the Lodi Mealybug Biocontrol and Grapevine Virus Research Focus Groups, along with the JAVA Group, will offer the crucial grower perspective.
RSVP: To the Lodi Winegrape Commission by phone 209.367.4727 or by email info@lodiwine.com.