Breakthrough Study Reveals Early History of Pierce’s Disease in California

A groundbreaking study from UC Berkeley reveals new insights into Pierce’s disease, a severe plant ailment caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa. Analyzing a 120-year-old grapevine specimen, researchers discovered the pathogen’s historical introduction to California dates back to 1740, reshaping our understanding of its impact on agriculture. This research highlights the importance of genomic data in combating plant diseases and ensuring sustainable farming practices.