Short and stunted shoots are signs of damage from two new mites found in Washington State, grape leaf rust mite and bud mite. Washington State grape growers experienced minor damage from two relatively new mite species last season, but vineyardists shouldn’t let their guard down yet. Populations could rebound in 2008, warns a Washington State University entomologist. Dr. David James said that in 2006, crop losses of up to 80 percent were caused by the mites in some Walla Walla vineyards. “But 2007 was a good year for growers in regards to the mites.” The rust and bud mites, first […]