Bacterium discovered to be cause of Pierce's disease of grapevines

THE NEWLY DISCOVERED Pierce's disease bacterium could destroy large numbers of grapevines and render parts of California unfit for the culture of common grape varieties. The disease has already destroyed at least 75,000 acres of grapevines in four major epidemics. In certain areas, it remains endemic. Aside from California, the disease has affected states along the Gulf coast and southeastern seaboard.