The Impacts of Mites and Short Shoot Syndrome in Vineyards in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest

Dr. Patty Skinkis, Extension Viticulture Specialist

Dr. Vaughn Walton, Horticultural Entomologist

Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University 

Short Shoot Syndrome has been a problem in the Pacific Northwest for several years. The first major observations of the problem were in 2001 in the Willamette Valley of Oregon.  Since then, the problem has been observed in vineyards in other areas of Oregon and into Washington. Short Shoot Syndrome (SSS) is a term coined by the winegrape growers in Oregon, as they were dealing with the problem for years. The symptoms of SSS are similar to those observed with “Restricted Spring Growth” in cultivated grapevines in Australia. The problem is described as having short shoots in spring that have compressed internodes, deformed leaves and fruit clusters. The most recent research with the problem in Oregon and Washington indicates that high eriophyid mite populations are associated with short, stunted and damaged shoots. For more information on the research regarding management and control of these mites and information on SSS in general, please see the document Short Shoot Syndrome of Grapes in the Pacific Northwest.

If you believe you have observed short shoot syndrome in your vineyard, you can fill out a survey so that researchers at Oregon State University can document incidence of this problem. You can access the survey online at https://surveys.bus.oregonstate.edu/BsgSurvey2_0/main.aspx?SurveyID=2093&cmd=survey