Grapevine Pinot Gris Virus Information Extension Program

Abstract

This project is a continuation of VHA 1701, which identified the nursery and vine improvement (VI) sectors as key to minimising further spread of Grapevine Pinot Gris virus (GPGV) to wine grape, table grape and dried fruit industries via infected propagation material. Knowledge gained in the previous project was extended to industry in four workshops, and GPGV management options were provided to the nursery and vine improvement sector.

Summary

GPGV was first detected in Australia in 2016 and by early 2018 was deemed to be ‘present and established’ in New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria. A recently completed project (VHA 1701) surveyed our current knowledge of GPGV and included recommendations for future RD&E activities in Australia. It also identified the importance of the nursery and VI sectors, as the main suppliers of planting material to vineyards in the wine grape, table grape and dried fruit sectors, in containing the spread of GPGV. 

This extension project aimed to deliver the knowledge gained in VHA 1701 to industry and provide GPGV management options to the propagation sector. To this end, four workshops with nursery and vine improvement representatives were held by Vinehealth in key geographic regions for the sector. Face-to-face meetings were held in Griffith, Mildura and Barossa Valley and a teleconference was held for representatives in Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and Tasmania. Information delivery focussed on what we know and don’t know about GPGV, and how and when to conduct on-ground surveillance for the virus in propagation material. An understanding was gained of the response by nurseries and the VI sector to the management of GPGV to date and the pathway for GPGV testing was clarified. Knowledge gaps were highlighted which align with those identified in the previous project. A large volume of enquires and requests for further information by participants followed the workshops.