GWSS activity continues to be unusually high for this time of year. A total of 127 GWSS adults were captured over the past month among 131 traps in citrus groves and vineyards. The historically high temperatures so far this Spring are almost certainly part of the explanation, as warm weather often encourages greater activity and movement by sharpshooters. Nonetheless, some vigilance is warranted as the high counts may presage a longer, season-wide trend. 

30 of the 131 traps captured at least one GWSS adult over this period, with as many as 24 caught on a trap. The bulk of the captures came from a handful of traps in and around citrus plantings toward the northeast end of the valley.

As a reminder, this time of year is important for making treatment decisions. Conventional management in Temecula and surrounding interior growing regions have traditionally relied on an application of one of the systemic neonicotinoids for GWSS management. Those treatments should be occurring very soon, if they have not already occurred, in order to protect vines against GWSS and Xylella transmission over at least the next few months. 

For organic treatments, which are short lived, application timing and the frequency of retreatment should be tied to observed GWSS activity. Such early season activity of GWSS this year may warrant earlier than usual treatments based on the results of monitoring. 

More information about sharpshooter management can be found at the following UC IPM site: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/grape/sharpshooters/#gsc.tab=0

Contact Matt (mattd@ucr.edu; 951-255-2807) with any questions