Certified Sommelier Practice Exam

What disease is primarily associated with the glassy-winged sharpshooter?

1. Phylloxera

2. Botrytis

3. Pierce's Disease

4. Powdery Mildew

The correct answer is: Pierce's Disease

The correct answer is Pierce's Disease. This disease is primarily associated with the glassy-winged sharpshooter, an insect that feeds on the xylem of grapevines and other plants. When the glassy-winged sharpshooter feeds on infected plants, it can spread the bacteria responsible for Pierce's Disease, which severely affects grapevines, leading to symptoms such as leaf scorch and vine decline. Understanding the relationship between the glassy-winged sharpshooter and Pierce's Disease is crucial for vineyard management and pest control strategies, especially in areas where this sharpshooter is prevalent. The other options—Phylloxera, Botrytis, and Powdery Mildew—represent different issues affecting grapevines. Phylloxera is a pest that primarily damages the roots of grapevines, Botrytis is a fungal pathogen associated with grape rot, and Powdery Mildew is another fungal disease characterized by a powdery white coating on leaves. While these are all significant concerns in viticulture, only Pierce's Disease is directly linked to the glassy-winged sharpshooter.