Workshop helps Latino viticulturists stop grape viruses before they harm vineyards

Head shot of Rayapati
Dr. Naidu Rayapati

Plant Pathology Professor Naidu Rayapati is helping members of Washington’s Latino viticulture community learn ways to stop viral diseases affecting Northwest vineyards.

Rayapati, director of WSU’s Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center (IAREC) at Prosser, held a recent Latino Ag Education Program, or LAEP, workshop for 20 participants on Feb. 1.

LAEP, offered by Wenatchee Valley College and sponsored by the Washington Winegrowers and Yakima Valley Community College, equips Latino employees in viticulture with technical expertise to operate vineyards and use Integrated Pest Management strategies.

Rayapati’s three-hour workshop, held at IAREC, shared information about viral diseases in vineyards, how to detect them, and the benefits of using virus-free plantings for healthy vineyards.

“Working daily in Northwest vineyards, these participants help serve as first responders for WSU researchers to tackle emerging disease problems,” Rayapati said. “Preparing an educated work force strengthens WSU efforts for sustainable growth of the wine grape industry in Washington state.”

Learn more about research at IAREC here.

Group of workshop participants with researcher, outside of research building.
Protecting the Washington grape industry, participants in a Feb. 1 Latino Ag Education Program workshop join plant pathologist Naidu Rayapati at WSU IAREC, learning how to identify and prevent vineyard viral diseases.