Grapevine Viruses

There are in excess of 60 recognised virus and virus-like diseases of grapevines worldwide. Many have obvious detrimental effects on vines, shortening the productive life of the vineyard and causing loss in yield and quality of fruit, reduced vine growth and loss in cane pruning weight, graft incompatibility, and vine decline and death. Viruses can be spread by insect vectors, soil-borne nematode vectors or by using infected cuttings during standard grafting and propagation practices. Symptomless infections often occur and these infected grapevines may act as a reservoir for other sensitive varieties.