In Thompson seedless, Sylvaner, and Chenin Blanc, the discoloration and scorching may occur in sectors of the leaf rather than along the margins. Usually only one or two canes will show Pierce's disease symptoms late in the first season of infection. Symptoms gradually spread along the cane from the point of infection out towards the end and more slowly towards the base. By mid-season some or all fruit clusters on the infected cane may wilt and dry. Tips of canes may die back, roots may also die back.
Vines deteriorate rapidly after appearance of symptoms.
Shoot growth of infected plants becomes progressively weaker as symptoms become more pronounced. Climatic differences between regions can affect the timing and severity of symptoms, but not the type of symptoms. Hot climates accelerate symptoms because moisture stress is more severe even with adequate soil moisture. In the following year, some canes or spurs may fail to bud out. From late April through summer infected vines may grow at a normal rate, but the total new growth is less than that of healthy vines.