Partner Spotlight: Colorado Association for Viticulture & Enology (CAVE)
Grapes on vine at sunset.
Japanese beetle damage to leaves of grape. Image: CSU Extension Office
The s-shaped white grub feeds on turf grass roots. Credit: David Cappaert, Bugwood.org
Japanese beetle are distinguishable by the white tufts on each side of its body. Image: Whitney Cranshaw, Bugwood.org.
Our April Partner is the Colorado Association for Viticulture & Enology (CAVE)
The Colorado Association for Viticulture & Enology (CAVE) is Colorado’s only non-profit trade association dedicated to supporting the state’s grape growers and winemakers. As a member-based organization, CAVE exists to advance Colorado’s wine and grape industry through advocacy, education, and community. We represent the interests of our members in legislative and political matters, provide a platform for the exchange of ideas, and share best practices in viticulture and enology. By building connections with regional and statewide partners, we work to strengthen and grow Colorado’s vibrant wine industry.
Protecting Colorado Vineyards and Agriculture from a Growing Threat
Japanese beetles may be small, but their impact on Colorado’s vineyards and agriculture can be enormous. First detected in the state in recent years, these pests feed on leaves, buds, and fruit, causing visible damage and potentially reducing yields. For winegrowers, this can mean smaller, less flavorful grapes, stressed vines, and even higher management costs.
Why Early Detection Matters for Vineyards
Japanese beetles feed on tender grapevine foliage, limiting photosynthesis and slowing vine growth. They can also damage shoots, affecting pruning cycles and overall vine health. If infestations are left unchecked, growers may need to increase pesticide use, which raises costs and can impact sustainability efforts. Protecting your vineyard not only preserves grape quality but also helps safeguard neighboring vineyards and the Colorado wine industry as a whole.
What CAVE Is Doing
CAVE is partnering with Mesa County to help vineyards and wineries monitor, manage, and prevent Japanese beetle infestations. Our programs provide:
- Educational resources and vineyard-specific best practices
- Tools for early detection and monitoring
- Guidance on integrated pest management strategies
By working together, growers can detect beetles early, prevent costly damage, and keep Colorado’s vineyards thriving.
Action Steps for Vineyards and Growers
- Scout weekly starting in April for adult beetles and leaf damage.
- Collect a sample of suspected Japanese Beetle and take it to the Tri River Extension Office for positive identification.
- Remove beetles manually and place in a bowl of soapy water, when feasible. Hand picking is ideal in the morning when temperatures are cool.
- Implement integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to minimize impact.
The Broader Agricultural Impact
While vineyards are particularly vulnerable, Japanese beetles also threaten orchards, row crops, and gardens. Early detection and eradication benefit the entire agricultural community, helping all Mesa County farmers and growers maintain healthy crops and sustainable operations.
Learn More & Take Action
- Treat all irrigated turf grass annually with a product such as GrubX that targets the Japanese beetle in its larvae form.
- Download vineyard scouting checklist or checkout the CSU Extension Japanese Beetle Factsheet for more information.
- Learn more about CAVE
Protecting one vineyard helps protect the entire region’s wine industry, and the broader Mesa County agricultural community. Early detection is key.