Putting beneficial insects and predators to work in your vineyard.
SEATTLE (March 11, 2024)—The Washington State Wine Commission (WSWC) and Washington State University (WSU) invite wine grape growers to register for an upcoming webinar that shares recent research about biological control in wine grapes. The WAVEx webinar is scheduled for March 21, 2024, from 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Dr. David James, WSU entomologist, will share insights of recently completed research studying aerial release of beneficial insects and predators in Washington wine grape vineyards and use of attractants to optimize their work. The two-year project evaluated the effectiveness of combining the insect attractance methyl salicylate with drone release of beneficials on control of spider mites and grape mealybug. The research, supported by the Washington wine industry, was conducted in a commercial vineyard near Benton City. The strategy has potential to reduce labor costs and chemical inputs and provide additional tools for growers participating in the Washington wine industry’s new Sustainable WA certification program.
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. WSU is a co-sponsor of the WAVE and WAVEx events.
Register for the free sustainable pest management webinar here.
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. Learn more at www.washingtonwine.org.
