Grapevine pinot gris virus
Grapevine pinot gris virus (GPGV) was detected in Australia in late 2016. It was first identified overseas in 2012, although it may have been present for about 10 years.
GPGV has been found on more than 30 grape varieties worldwide and was first detected on pinot gris.
GPGV symptoms
Symptoms of GPGV appear soon after bud break. Symptoms consist of:
- shortened internodes
- leaf mottling
- yellow spots
- leaf deformation
- delayed bud burst
- mite attack
- poor fruit set
Figure 1: At bud break affected canes are stunted with shorter internodes and smaller leaves.
Figure 2: Leaves from a Pinot Grigio grapevine show chlorotic mottling and deformation
Figure 3: Symptoms of grapevine pinot gris virus on grapevine leaves
Figure 4: Symptoms of yellow mottling and leaf deformation on Vitis vinifera cv Pinot gris
Figure 5: The Glera or Prosecco cultivar displays veinal discolouration on its leaves until the end of the season
GPGV, however, can be symptomless making it impossible to identify by visual symptoms.
GPGV disease cycle
GPGV is spread by grapevine bud and blister mites and propagating material. It has been detected in the weeds fat hen (Chenopodium album) and white campion (Silene latifolia), suggesting they can harbour the virus.
Controlling GPGV
It is important to maintain good on-farm biosecurity to prevent spread of GPGV.
You can do this by controlling weeds and insect pests, inspecting vines, using virus tested propagation material and reminding visitors of good on-farm hygiene.
Submit for testing
You can contact the Crop Health Services team on (03) 9032 7323 for a quote on testing. They will also advise how to collect, package and send the samples for analysis.
Exotic Plant Pest Hotline
Report any unusual plant pest or disease immediately to the national Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. Early reporting increases the chance of effective control and eradication. Alternatively, you can make a report via our online form with a photo (where possible).
Photo credits
Figure 1. Photo courtesy of Carlo Flamini, Elisa Angelini, Irene Bazzo, Nadia Bertazzon, Luisa Filippin and Vally Forte Il Corriere Vinicolo, press media of Unione Italiana Vini, Italy
Figure 2. Photo courtesy of Dr. Pasquale Saldarelli, Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection of the National Research Council
Figure 3. Photo courtesy of Dr. Pasquale Saldarelli, Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection (IPSP) of the National Research Council
Figure 4. Photo courtesy of Dr Giulio Franco [ERSA]
Figure 5. Photo courtesy of Carlo Flamini, Elisa Angelini, Irene Bazzo, Nadia Bertazzon, Luisa Filippin and Vally Forte Il Corriere Vinicolo, press media of Unione Italiana Vini, Italy