NASA can spot wine grape disease from California skies. Here’s the economic impact
In a recent study, scientists detected infection in cabernet sauvignon grapevines before it was visible to the human eye, according to a California Institute of Technology news release.
The grape disease causes mold, root-rotting bacteria, viruses and other plant pathogens that can destroy up to 30% of global harvests every year. The ability to detect the disease early can make the difference between a failed crop and a treatable one.
By using an instrument developed at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, researchers have been able to detect the signs of a grape disease through airborne science. This technique could help monitor the disease and other crops, according to the laboratory’s research.
How does the disease spread?
Researchers from the Jet Propulsion Lab and Cornell University focused on the grape disease, known as GLRaV-3 (short for grapevine leafroll-associated virus complex 3). Their research found that that the disease is primarily spread by insects, according to the release.
As a result, the disease yields and sours fruit. This has cost the U.S. wine and grape industry about $3 billion in damage and other losses annually.
How is the disease detected?
The disease is typically detected by vine-by-vine scouting and expensive molecular testing.
Through the research team’s efforts, they can help growers identify GLRaV-3 infections early by using airborne science. An instrument called an Airborne Visible/InfraRed Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS-NG) uses a sensor that records the interaction of sunlight with chemical bonds.
This technology has been previously used to measure and monitor hazards including wildfires, oil spills, greenhouse gases and air pollution caused by volcanic eruptions.
This story was originally published August 5, 2023 at 11:31 AM with the headline "NASA can spot wine grape disease from California skies. Here’s the economic impact."
