Crape myrtle and sumac are especially preferred. It reproduces on Eucalyptus and coast live oaks in southern California. It is not yet known if glassy-winged sharpshooter will sustain permanent breeding populations in natural vegetation of forested areas. Xylella fastidiosa, which causes Pierce's disease in grapes. The bacterium multiplies in the water-conducting system and eventually blocks it, causing water stress of the plant.
Symptoms appear in midsummer and increase through fall.
Vines of varieties that are somewhat tolerant to Pierce's disease may recover more frequently than more susceptible varieties. Early season infections are more likely to survive the next winter. Pierce's disease can kill vines 2 to 3 years after infection. The glassy-winged sharpshooter feeds much lower on the cane, even in late summer, than do the other Pierce's disease vectors in California. This may increase the number of late-season infections that survive the winter and cause chronic Pierce's disease.