Identification of grapevine Pinot gris virus in free-living Vitis spp. located in riparian areas adjacent to commercial vineyards

Grapevine Pinot gris virus (GPGV) is a recently identified pathogen of grapevines in California. To advance our knowledge about the epidemiology of GPGV, we investigated if free-living Vitis spp. can represent a source of virus infection. In 2019 a field survey of GPGV infection was conducted in Napa County. During the inspection 60 free-living vines in riparian habitats near commercial vineyards with GPGV infection were sampled. Samples were tested by real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), identifying 23 free-living Vitis spp. positive for GPGV. Later, GPGV infection was confirmed in these plants via end-point RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing. Based on sequence analysis, detected GPGV isolates are more related to the asymptomatic variant of the virus. Vitis species ancestry was determined by DNA fingerprinting. GPGV-infected material included V. californica, V. californica × V. vinifera hybrids and hybrid rootstock cultivars. Here, GPGV is reported for the first time in free-living Vitis spp. The results of this study will support the development of management strategies for GPGV in California and beyond.

Quantifying Planococcus ficus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) Invasion in Northern California Vineyards to Inform Management Strategy

The spread and impact of invasive species in exotic ranges can be mitigated by increased understanding of pest invasion dynamics. Here, we used geospatial analyses and habitat suitability modeling to characterize the invasion of an important vineyard pest, vine mealybug (Planococcus ficus Signoret, Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), using nearly 15,000 trapping records from throughout Napa County, California, between 2012 and 2017. Spatial autocorrelation among P. ficus detections was strongest at distances of ~250 m and detectable at regional scales (up to 40 km), estimates of the rate and directionality of spread were highly idiosyncratic, and P. ficus detection hotspots were spatiotemporally dynamic. Generalized linear model, boosted regression tree, and random forest modeling methods performed well in predicting habitat suitability for P. ficus. The most important predictors of P. ficus occurrence were a positive effect of precipitation in the driest month, and negative effects of elevation and distance to nearest winery. Our results indicate that 250-m quarantine and treatment zones around P. ficus detections are likely sufficient to encompass most local establishment and spread, and that implementing localized regulatory procedures may limit inadvertent P. ficus spread via anthropogenic pathways. Finally, surveys of P. ficus presence at >300 vineyard sites validated that habitat suitability estimates were significantly and positively associated with P. ficus frequency of occurrence. Our findings indicate that habitat suitability predictions may offer a robust tool for identifying areas in the study region at risk to future P. ficus invasion and prioritizing locations for early detection and preventative management efforts.

Piloting the Adult Protective Services’ Identification, Services, and Outcomes Matrix: Focus Group Findings

The historical lack of outcomes-related data in Adult Protective Services (APS) has affected funding coming to the program. Without data quantifying the effectiveness of APS services, policymakers have been unable to justify budget increases to improve wages for workers or professionalize the field. For the first time in APS history, the U.S. Administration for Community Living sponsored a pilot project to implement a novel evidence-based assessment tool into APS electronic systems, called the Identification, Services, and Outcomes (ISO) Matrix. The goal was to improve APS’ ability to reduce harm of abuse and neglect and maintain client’s independence to live in the community. APS workers in San Francisco and Napa Counties were trained and phased into using the ISO Matrix over a six-month implementation period. This poster presents findings from six focus groups conducted between February 13 and March 28, 2019, with 34 San Francisco and Napa County APS workers and supervisors. Utilizing semi-structured, in-depth interviewing techniques, APS workers and supervisors expressed their views and experiences. Facilitators and barriers of implementing the ISO Matrix were assessed and opportunities for improvements were identified. Findings revealed a tension between their hopefulness that the ISO Matrix could modernize APS data-tracking and yield evidence of improved client outcome to bolster the field, and their frustrations about new burdens the ISO Matrix placed on their labor and workflow. Understanding frontline perspectives of APS workers and supervisors has practical and policy implications for adopting the ISO Matrix in other counties and states across the U.S.

FE Evaluation of Hillside Excavation for a Construction Contract Dispute

This paper presents a forensic evaluation of an earthwork grading dispute between a grading contractor (plaintiff) and property owner (defendant) associated with construction of an approach driveway and hill-side cut for a new residential property. The plaintiff’s allegations were that “changed conditions” had been encountered through the presence of a landslide and/or geologic fault. These conditions resulted in schedule delays and increased costs. Finally, the plaintiff alleged breach of contract after being terminated. The allega-tions were investigated through both on-site field reconnaissance and desktop studies. The forensic analyses found no basis for the changed conditions claims. The case was tried in Napa County California Superior Courts via bench trial. The judge’s decision mirrored the findings of the forensic analyses.

Establishment of a non-native xyleborine ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus monographus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), new to North America in California

Specimens of an ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus monographus (Fabricius), were found infesting oak trees in California. This is the first record of this species established in North America. Based on collection information, this species most likely has been established in the Napa County area for several years. A modified key to Xyleborus in North America, and diagnosis of the species is provided.

The Napa County Agricultural Preserve: Fifty Years as a Foundation of America’s Premier Wine Region

In 1968, Napa County, California, created an agricultural preserve of 23,000 acres zoned for agriculture, wineries, and houses with a large minimum lot size of twenty acres. Over time, the agricultural preserve was expanded to 32,000 acres and the zoning tightened to a forty-acre minimum lot size. Concerns about nonfarm development and marketing activities at wineries compelled county voters to pass three referenda that limited population growth in the countryside and required a countywide vote for any zoning changes in the agricultural preserve. Thanks in part to the agricultural preserve, Napa County became America’s most famous wine-producing region.