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 GRAPE PRODUCTION: INSECT AND DISEASE MONITORING AND CONTROLAt a recent Pesticide Applicators Professional Association meeting, Mary Bianchi, Viticulture Farm Advisor for Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties, presented an excellent review of insect and disease problems in Central Coast vineyards. Vertebrate and weed pests were also mentioned. If you missed the presentation and would like a copy of the handout, call our office - 805.934.6240.
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 Between 3,500 and 4,000 acres of cilantro (coriander, Chinese parsley) are now grown in California. Production occurs mainly along the Central Coast and in the low desert. Cilantro is a relatively insect– and disease-free crop. However, as acreage increases, new growing areas come on line and more seed is needed, there is more opportunity for microorganisms to find a home on cilantro. Recently, cilantro leaf samples were submitted to our office. The leaves had pale yellow spots. The margin of the spots faded into the green of the leaf. Spots were about 1/8-inch across, and there were often several per leaf. No microorganism could be found or isolated. In communication with colleagues I learned that virus particles have been found in cilantro leaves showing the above symptoms. At present, the exact nature of the virus is unknown. Research is currently underway at U.C. Davis to specifically identify the causal agent. Apparently, the leaf symptoms have shown up in a number of growing areas in a short time frame. This would suggest that the virus may be seedborne. This possibility is also under investigation. If the yellow leafspot virus of cilantro has shown up in several of your plantings, you may want to try a different seed lot or seed source to see if there is a relationship between seed sources and the problem.
I will provide more information as soon as research findings are available.
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