Bacteriophage for treatment and prevention of X. fastidiosa infection in grapevines (Pierce's Disease)

Few methods for controlling and treating Pierce’s Disease (PD) have been available, with efforts historically focused on controlling the sharpshooter vector (e.g., insecticides) or roguing seriously ill vines, both of which have demonstrated only limited success. However, an option that reduces PD in grapevines is now available, XylPhi-PD.™ XylPhi-PD is a novel biological treatment for PD that is approved for use in organic production. This break-through technology was developed exclusively for viticulture. XylPhi-PD contains a cocktail of viral bacteriophages (bacteria-killing viruses) that enter and destroy X. fastidiosa bacteria. XylPhi-PD can be flexibly applied as a preventative to protect growing vines under disease pressure, or as a curative after disease symptoms become visible. Multiple field studies assessed the efficacy of XylPhi-PD for the treatment or prevention of Pierce’s Disease (PD) in vineyards, when used in accordance with label Directions for Use. In a 2015 Texas A&M study with natural infection exposure, 3 monthly XylPhi-PD treatments significantly reduced PD incidence 44% vs controls. In an ongoing 4-site study (up to 2 years of treatment in leading North Coast California commercial vineyards with high PD pressure), XylPhi-PD treatment of diverse wine varietals prompted reductions in visual PD symptoms of 60%, which was confirmed by qPCR. XylPhi-PD has consistently demonstrated significant efficacy across differing conditions and locales. These favorable outcomes distinguish XylPhi-PD as a targeted and effective strategy for protecting valuable vineyards against PD.US; PPT; contact@inphatec.co