Vaughn Walton

Entomologist

541-737-3464
[email protected]

Expertise: Berries, table grapes and kiwifruit , Hazelnuts and nut crops , Wine grapes , Berries and fruit , Sustainability , Insects , Invasive species

Links: OSU Faculty page , Google scholar , Researchgate , Oregon Wine Research Institute

Department/Unit: Horticulture

Content by Vaughn Walton

OSU research to combat invasive pest benefits Oregon's fruit industry

OSU Extension provides valuable resources and training for growers, helping them implement effective SWD management practices.

Vaughn Walton | Feb 2025 | Impact story

Pest management guide for wine grapes in Oregon

Learn the most effective techniques for controlling insects, weeds and disease on wine grapes in Oregon. Study strategies for controlling powdery mildew, botrytis bunch rot and spider mites.

Patricia A. Skinkis, Jay W. Pscheidt, Achala KC, Marcelo Moretti, Vaughn Walton, Cody Copp | Feb 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Distribution and Monitoring of Grape Mealybug: A Key Vector of Grapevine Leafroll Disease in Oregon

A pheromone lure baited with the sex pheromone of grape mealybug is the most reliable way to confirm the presence or absence of this important vector of grapevine leafroll-associated viruses.

Daniel Dalton, Vaughn Walton, Kent Daane, Clive Kaiser, Rick Hilton, Linda Brewer | Apr 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Field Monitoring for Leafroll Virus and Mealybug in Pacific Northwest Vineyards

This publication focuses on in-field identification of signs and symptoms associated with grapevine leafroll-associated viruses and the insects that transmit them.

Kyoo R. Park, S. Mermer, Gordon B. Jones, Govinda Shrestha, Alexander Levin, Rick Hilton, N.H. Mercer, K.M. Daane, Linda Brewer, Patricia A. Skinkis, Vaughn Walton | Mar 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Trapping and Identifying Mealybugs in Oregon Vineyards

Vineyard managers will learn how and why to trap vine mealybugs in vineyards.

Kyoo Rok Park, Serhan Mermer, Gordon B. Jones, Govinda Shrestha, Alexander Levin, Rick Hilton, Nathan H. Mercer, Kent M. Daane, Linda Brewer, Patricia A. Skinkis, Vaughn Walton | Feb 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Suppressing Spotted-wing Drosophila Egg-laying with Micro-sprinkler Insecticide Application in Highbush Blueberry

Micro-sprinkler application of certain pesticides suppresses spotted-wing drosophila in highbush blueberries. However, those same pesticides applied by backpack sprayers provide better control.

Serhan Mermer, Gabriella Tait, Ferdinand Pfab, Edwin T. Harris, Linda Brewer, Christopher Adams, Vaughn Walton | Dec 2022 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

PNW Insect Management Handbook - Mealybugs of Grapes

The PNW Insect Management Handbook provides Oregon-specific information on mealybugs and their management including labeled insecticides.

Patricia A. Skinkis, Vaughn Walton, Brooke Edmunds | Dec 2022 | Online resource

Spotted-wing Drosophila, Relative Rankings and Seasonal Strategies for Insecticide Use

Researchers around the country have ranked the effectiveness of the most-used pesticides to control spotted-wing drosophila populations in the field. These recommendations are focused on controlling immature and adult life stages of SWD.

Serhan Mermer, Philip Fanning, Gabriella Tait, Ferdinand Pfab, Christopher Adams, Linda Brewer, Vaughn Walton | Aug 2022 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

OSU Extension set to release tiny wasp that targets destructive fruit fly

U.S. Department of Agriculture has permitted release of the wasp (Ganaspis brasiliensis), which attacks destructive spotted wing drosophla.

Kym Pokorny | Jun 6, 2022 | News story

Sightings of spotted lanternflies worry farmers, nursery industry

So far, there’s no known infestation in Oregon. If one establishes, many of Oregon’s high-value industries may be affected, including wine grapes, nursery and tree crops, small fruits and timber.

Kym Pokorny | Jul 15, 2021 | News story

Grape Phylloxera: Biology and Management in the Pacific Northwest

Describes the life cycle and injury symptoms of grape phylloxera, Daktulosphaira vitifoliae (Fitch), an aphidlike insect that feeds on grape roots. Discusses strategies for reducing the risk of phylloxera infestation, ...

Patricia A. Skinkis, Vaughn Walton, Clive Kaiser | Jun 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Pest Alert: Spotted Lanternfly is an Invasive Insect That May Impact Oregon

Spotted Lanternfly has a broad range of plant hosts, including grape, stone fruits, apple, ornamental species, maple, black walnut, willow and rose. Nymphs and adults are phloem feeders. They suck sap from young ...

Serhan Mermer, Gabriella Tait, Josh Vlach, Jana Lee, Man-Yeon Choi, Heather Leach, Linda Brewer, Vaughn Walton | Mar 2021 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Testing and Tracking the Spread of Grapevine Red Blotch Virus in Oregon Vineyards

Grapevine red blotch virus (GRVB) is one of about 80 viruses infecting wine grapes worldwide. It may affect fruit ripening and thus impact the quality of finished wines. GRBV incidence increased from two to 10 ...

Daniel Dalton, Jessica Buser-Young, Samantha Nizich, Alexander Levin, Vaughn Walton, Richard Hilton, Linda Brewer | Jan 2021 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Recognize the Symptoms and Causes of Stunted Growth in Vineyards

Spring frost, herbicide drift, water or nutrient stress, diseases, and insect and mite pests can cause similar symptoms of stunting or distorted growth in grapevines. Recognizing the symptoms and distinguishing their ...

Patricia A. Skinkis, Vaughn Walton, Amy J. Dreves, Clive Kaiser, Steve Renquist, Steve Castagnoli, Rick Hilton, Linda Brewer | Jun 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Researchers identify successful biological control for destructive fruit fly

A parasitic wasp has shown tremendous potential attacking and controlling spotted wing drosophila – an invasive, destructive fruit fly that costs Oregon growers close to a billion dollars a year.

Kym Pokorny | Dec 10, 2019 | News story

Cultural control strategies to manage spotted-wing drosophila

Cultural controls can reduce spotted-wing drosophila population pressure by modifying the microclimate within the crop so that the environment does not promote SWD reproduction and survival.

Dalila Rendon, Serhan Mermer, Linda Brewer, Daniel Dalton, Cherre Bezerra Da Silva, Jana Lee, Rachael Nieri, Kyoo Park, Ferdinand Pfab, Gabriella Tait, Marco Rossi-Stacconi, Nik Wiman, Vaughn Walton | Jun 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Host range and characteristics affecting fruit susceptibility to spotted-wing drosophila

Spotted-wing drosophila thrives on various soft-skinned fruits, complicating pest management as they can move between hosts with different ripening times for a year-round survival and reproduction.

Vaughn Walton, Marco Rossi-Stacconi, Gabriella Tait, Dalila Rendon, Jana Lee, Rachael Nieri, Linda Brewer | Sep 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Noncrop host plants used by spotted-wing drosophila

Dense vegetation around commercial fields creates a suitable habitat for spotted-wing drosophila, as the shade increases pressure and impacts sustainable integrated pest management strategies.

Gabriella Tait, Dalila Rendon, Linda Brewer, Daniel Dalton, Jana Lee, Rachael Nieri, Kyoo Park, Ferdinand Pfab, Marco Rossi-Stacconi, Vaughn Walton | Sep 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Optimizing chemical control of spotted-wing drosophila

What works best in the control of spotted-wing drosophila? Crop canopy and structure and the type of pesticide spray equipment help determine the effectiveness of pesticide applications.

Serhan Mermer, Gwen-Alyn Hoheisel, Haitham Bahlol, Lav Khot, Dalila Rendon, Linda Brewer, Daniel Dalton, Rachael Nieri, Kyoo Park, Ferdinand Pfab, Marco Rossi-Stacconi, Vaughn Walton | Sep 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Improved chemical control strategies for spotted-wing drosophila

Learn how life stages, product choice, timing and coverage impact success in the control of spotted-wing drosophila.

Serhan Mermer, Linda Brewer, Daniel Dalton, Rachael Nieri, Kyoo Park, Ferdinand Pfab, Marco Rossi-Stacconi, Vaughn Walton | Sep 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Monitoring techniques for spotted-wing drosophila

Commercial fruit growers use trapping to monitored for adult spotted-wing drosophila in fields and field borders. They monitor other fruits for infestation using a fruit dunk flotation technique.

Gabriella Tait, Marco Rossi-Stacconi, Elizabeth Miller, Daniel Dalton, Jana Lee, Kyoo Park, Vaughn Walton, Tom Peerbolt, Linda Brewer | Nov 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Potential impacts of irrigation on biocontrol of spotted-wing drosophila

A naturally occurring parasitic wasp in Oregon can help control spotted-wing drosophila in blueberries, but overhead irrigation can limit the effectiveness of this biocontrol method.

Cherre Bezerra Da Silva, Brianna F. Price, Daniel Dalton, Dalila Rendon, Kyoo Park, Linda Brewer, Vaughn Walton, Marco Rossi-Stacconi | Sep 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Biocontrol of spotted-wing drosophila

Biological control agents target SWD, predators, parasitoids, nematodes and microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria. Predators eat SWD, removing a substantial portion from the production system.

Marco Rossi-Stacconi, Linda Brewer, Elizabeth Miller, Daniel Dalton, Jana Lee, Kyoo Park, Ferdinand Pfab, Vaughn Walton, Cherre Bezerra Da Silva | Sep 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

How seasons affect population structure, behavior and risk on spotted-wing drosophila

Learn how temperature affects the life cycle of spotted-wing drosophila.

Vaughn Walton, Linda Brewer, Daniel Dalton, Rachael Nieri, Kyoo Park, Ferdinand Pfab, Dalila Rendon, Gabriella Tait, Nik Wiman, Marco Rossi-Stacconi | Jun 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Hazelnut IPM

Resources about integrated pest management for hazelnuts.

Nik Wiman, Vaughn Walton, Jay W. Pscheidt, Marcelo Moretti, David Lowenstein, Heather Andrews, Rachele Nieri | May 2019 | Collection Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB)

Information and resources about the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), an invasive

Nik Wiman, Rick Hilton, Clive Kaiser, Vaughn Walton, Rachel Suits, David Lowenstein, Victoria Skillman, Heather Andrews | Dec 2018 | Collection

Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD)

Information and resources about monitoring, identification, and management of spotted wing drosophila (SWD), an invasive fruit fly.

Vaughn Walton, Linda Brewer, Bernadine Strik, Patricia A. Skinkis, Peter Shearer, Jana Lee, Man-Yeon Choi | Apr 2024 | Collection

Sustainable Hazelnut Production: Filbertworm Control by Mating Disruption

Filbertworm is the insect pest of greatest economic importance in Oregon hazelnut production. This publication explains how to Implement mating disruption as a strategy that will reduce damage caused by filbertworm ...

Betsey Miller, Daniel Dalton, Linda Brewer, Vaughn Walton | Apr 2022 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Vaughn Walton, Entomologist

Vaughn Walton is an entomologist with Oregon State University’s Department of Horticulture and also a core researcher with the Oregon Wine Research Institute. He works with vineyardists who are growing grapes for this area’s ...

Vaughn Walton | Sep 2024 | Video

Samurai wasp takes on brown marmorated stink bug

Invasive pest may have met its match

Kym Pokorny | Jun 2, 2017 | News story

Samurai wasp: Promising egg parasitoid for management of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB)

The samurai wasp (Trissolcus japonicus) is a parasitoid that attacks the eggs of the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), making it a potential candidate for managing this significant threat to commercial agriculture ...

David Lowenstein, Chris Hedstrom, Nik Wiman, Heather Andrews, Richard Hilton, Clive Kaiser, Jana Lee, Vaughn Walton | Apr 2021 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Biological Control of Black Vine Weevil Larvae in Cranberry

Recommends methods for incorporating biocontrol into a management program for black vine weevil larvae.

Betsey Miller, Vaughn Walton, Linda White, Denny Bruck, Linda Brewer | Apr 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Evaluating Compatibility of Horticultural Oils and Sulfur with Vineyard IPM

Typhlodromus pyri is a beneficial insect and key predator of Calepitrimerus vitis in Pacific Coast vineyards. C. vitis is closely associated with short-shoot syndrome. The impact of horticultural (paraffinic) oils and ...

Angela Gadino, Vaughn Walton, Amy J. Dreves, Gregory V. Jones, Linda Brewer | Mar 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Growing Hazelnuts in the Pacific Northwest: Integrated Pest Management

This publication provides an overview of insect, disease, and vertebrate pest management in hazelnut.

Jeff L. Olsen, Jay W. Pscheidt, Vaughn Walton | Mar 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) is an invasive insect and a very serious threat to Oregon agriculture. It feeds on more than 100 plants, including economically important crops and ornamentals. ...

Chris Hedstrom, Nik Wiman, Vaughn Walton, Peter Shearer, Silvia I. Rondon, Jana Lee | Dec 2020 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Recognize fruit damage from spotted wing drosophila

Learn to recognize the signs of spotted wing drosophila damage on blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cherries and grapes.

Vaughn Walton, Jana Lee, Denny Bruck, Peter Shearer, Emily Parent, Thomas Whitney, Amy J. Dreves | Sep 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

A New Pest Attacking Healthy Ripening Fruit in Oregon: Spotted Wing Drosophila

Publication provides an overview of spotted wing drosophila identification, biology, damage, monitoring, and control.

Amy J. Dreves, Vaughn Walton, Glenn Fisher | Mar 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Prevention and Management of Grapevine Leafroll Virus and Mealybugs in Oregon Vineyards

This document suggests practices believed to mitigate the spread of disease and virus.

Vaughn Walton, Amy J. Dreves, Patricia A. Skinkis, Clive Kaiser, Marcus A. Buchanan, Rick Hilton, Robert Martin, Steve Castagnoli, Steve Renquist | Mar 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Hazelnut Pest and Beneficial Insects: An Identification Guide

With color photos and text, describes principal insect pests of hazelnuts (filberts) including life stages, symptoms of infestation, and techniques for sampling population levels. Also describes beneficial insects (generalist natural enemies) that can combat pest insects.

Vaughn Walton | Jul 2021 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Identification of Invasive and Reemerging Pests on Hazelnuts

Describes key identification features, life cycle, and pest status of filbertworm, filbert weevil, filbert aphid, and hazelnut aphid. Includes color photos.

Vaughn Walton, Ute Chambers, Amy J. Dreves, Denny Bruck, Jeff L. Olsen | Jul 2021 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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