Grapevine Pinot Gris Virus
Grapevine Pinot Gris virus (GPGV) was discovered in 2012 by high throughput sequencing (HTS) analysis of Pinot Gris vineyards in Italy, but was probably present for at least 10 years before detection. It has since been reported in all the main winegrape-growing regions of the world. As well as Pinot Gris, it can infect over 30 other wine and table grape varieties. GPGV was first detected in Australia in 2016 and is widely distributed in several states.
The effect of GPGV on vine health is difficult to determine, as the virus is often found in infections with a mix of other viruses and is often symptomless. The effect of GPGV on grapevine growth, yield and fruit quality in Australian vineyards is currently unclear.
Symptoms
Symptoms associated with GPVG infection include:
- leaf distortion and mottling
- delayed budburst
- shortened shoot internodes
- increased berry acidity
- poor yield (reports of up to 80 per cent yield loss).
The symptoms of GPGV may be confused with early season bud mite damage, cold injury or herbicide damage and are more frequently reported in Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Traminer than other winegrape varieties.
Internationally, GPGV-associated symptoms have been reported in both young and old vineyards (2-50 years), with no relationship between incidence and vine age. Symptoms are most obvious in spring and less apparent on late season growth, with infected plants able to produce symptomless shoots and leaves.
Spread
GPGV can be spread through the movement and exchange of infected propagation material such as potted vines, cuttings, rootlings and bud wood. The virus is also probably transmitted by grapeleaf bud and blister mites (Colomerus vitis). There is no evidence to support the transmission of the virus mechanically on pruning or harvesting equipment.
Further information about GPGV can be found via the links to the right of this page and in the Final Report for the project A comprehensive review of Grapevine Pinot Gris Virus (GPGV), located here.
Related articles about GPGV
Play it safe with GPGV (February 2019)