Chardonnay Under Attack

New moth species invades Italy’s vineyards

By Victoria GillScience reporter, BBC Nature

New species of leafminer moth (c) Antispila oinophyllaThe moth is common in North America and was first spotted in Italy in 2006
A moth with a taste for Chardonnay leaves, which has infested vineyards across northern Italy, is a new species of leafminer, scientists say.

The pest was first discovered by Italian scientists in 2006, but they were unable to identify it.

Now, by examining a snippet of the moth’s genetic code, researchers have confirmed that it is a previously unnamed species.

The team published their findings in the journal ZooKeys.

The Italian team enlisted the help of insect expert Erik van Nieukerken from the Netherlands Centre for Biodiversity in Leiden.

“We first turned to the [scientific] literature to find out what was already known, which was appallingly little for this group [of moths],” Dr van Nieukerken told BBC Nature.

He and his colleagues used a method known as DNA barcoding to examine a section of the insect’s genetic code.

  • “I figured out that this one, despite being quite common in North America, had no name,” he recalled.

The new species, which now bears the name Antispila oinophylla, had previously been confused with a North American species (Antispila ampelopsifoliella), which feeds on Virginia creeper.

Only the genetic studies revealed it to be a different species with a taste for grapevines. Its native range is across eastern North America, where it feeds on several species of wild grapes.

So far, the species has been found in vineyards in Italy’s Trento and Veneto regions, spreading and increasing in population since it was first recorded.

Having observed the moths in the field, the scientists say that the insect seems to have a preference for the leaves of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Muscat grapes, but they added that the economic impact of this particular pest was not yet clear.

The researchers do not know exactly how the moth arrived in Italy, but Dr van Nieukerken said that it was very easy for the cocoons containing the larvae to be accidentally transported with plant material.

“They’re very small and exactly the same colour as the leaves,” he told BBC Nature. “So if you were carrying plants, you would probably not notice them.

The scientist said that another species from this same group had been discovered in commercial walnut crops and that more needed to be known about the insects.

“This group is very poorly studied,” he told BBC Nature.

“If you know exactly what it is and where it belongs, if you know its evolutionary history…. you can understand better how to control it.”

from:    http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/17139837

Witness Tree Wines

My daughter, Cate, is in Oregon learning about viniculture and the wonders of the wine making process at Witness Tree Vineyards.  SHe finds it amazing, the recognition of the grapes, the percentage of sugar versus water, and all the rest still to come.  Check out their website to learn more about their wines:

 

Witness Tree Vineyard is a small producer of premium quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay made entirely from grapes grown on our 100-acre estate. As winegrowers, we believe that only by tending our own vines can we produce the finest wines. Low yields in the vineyard and minimal handling in the winery allow us to create wines of depth, elegance, concentration, and character. They are the ultimate expression of the earth from which they were born.

Witness Tree Vineyard is owned by Dennis & Carolyn Devine. The Devines are originally from the Midwest, but have lived throughout the country during Dennis’ career as a clinical researcher in the pharmaceutical industry. Carolyn serves as President and Business Manager. Witness Tree is located in the Eola Hills, northwest of Salem, an area recognizedas one of Oregon’s premier growing regions.

Witness Tree
for more, go to:    http://www.witnesstreevineyard.com   (and don’t forget to mention Cate)med for an ancient oak which towers over the vineyard – it was designated a surveyor’s landmark in 1854 – Witness Tree is dedicated to the production of exemplary estate – bottled Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Dennis and Carolyn Devine welcome you to our tasting room.