Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/562166
September 2015 WINES&VINES 59 GRAPEGROWING were found both in young vineyards (just two years old) and vineyards planted more than 40 years ago. From the observations carried out, it seems that at the moment the disease is more widespread in the hilly areas of the Veneto region, where it was detected in 84% of the vineyards observed, compared to the plains, where symptoms were identified in 49% of vineyards. An interesting relationship has emerged, comparing the nature of the soil and the inci- dence of symptoms in the vineyards being monitored. Most of the vineyards with a high incidence of symptoms are found on clay soil, while most vineyards cultivated on loose soils do not present visible symptoms. However, these are preliminary data that need more in- depth study. The etiologic agent Although the exact etiology (cause or causes) of the disease is still unknown, in 2012 the presence of a new virus called grapevine Pinot Gris virus (GPGV) was observed in symptom- atic plants from Trentino Alto Adige. Following this finding, the virus was identified in the Italian regions affected by the disease as well as other European states (Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, France and Greece), though some of these have never reported any pres- ence of the disease. Recent data from the analy- sis of vine samples collected in several vine-growing countries show that the virus is more widespread than first believed, since it has also been found in Croatia, Serbia, Mon- tenegro, Bosnia, Macedonia, Ukraine, Roma- nia, Spain and Portugal. However, the presence of this virus is not directly correlated to the presence of symp- toms: GPGV is present in all the symptomatic vines but also in a large number of susceptible vines without any symptoms of the disease. In particular, recent studies carried out in the Triveneto region (Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia) show that the virus is present in about 70%-80% of apparently healthy vines. There are, however, new data that highlight the presence of several strains of the virus, which are probably associated with a different pathogenicity in the field. These results lead us to believe that the relationship between the virus and the disease is still unclear, and there is probably interaction with the environment, cultivation methods and agronomic practices that can influence the expression of symptoms. Only more in-depth studies will be able to clarify the situation. How the disease is transmitted By now it seems clear that the spread of this disease is increasing in this territory, but we still don't know how it spreads. Observations carried out in the different Italian regions sug- gest it is spread by an animal vector. It also seems that the infection increases slowly in the individual vineyards, though there are cases of sudden outbreaks. This trend seems com- mon in the three most-monitored regions so far (i.e., Trentino Alto Adige, Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto). Given the lack of scientific data, at the mo- ment there are no strategies for fighting the disease other than monitoring symptomatic vines in the field and potentially uprooting stunted plants. Conclusions Several Italian and European research bodies are studying this disease and the GPGV virus. Researchers are looking into the association between the disease and the virus: how it is transmitted, laboratory diagnostics, recovery of symptomatic vines and the possible effects of nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to understand if agronomical or environmental factors cause the disease, and therefore if co- existence with this problem is possible, given the large number of vines that are infected by the virus but do not show symptoms. Knowledge of this disease is still very lim- ited, mainly because it has only recently been discovered. In order to deal with increasing concern and find prompt solutions, it is es- sential to continue doing research, join forces and share results both between research bod- ies and technicians and those operating in the grapegrowing and nursery sector. The authors of the article work for CRA-VIT (Viticulture Research Center), located in northeast Italy. Since 1923, CRA-VIT has studied issues related to the grapevine including ampelography, genetic improvement, breed- ing, biology, physiology, protection, propagation, ecol- ogy, agronomic (and more recently metabolomic and transcriptomic) techniques. The grapevine pathology group, led by Dr. Elisa Angelini, carries out research mainly focused on diseases associated with viruses, phytoplasmas, bacteria and their vectors. The research looks into etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis and control of grapevine diseases, molecular characterization of pathogens and grapevine defense mechanisms. TTB LABEL APPROVALS Low per-label costs Gov't. Liaison Negotiations or Footwork Reasonable Hourly Rates TRADEMARK SEARCHES As Low as $185 Your trade names or designs are searched at the U.S. Patent Office to help establish valuable ownership or avoid costly legal liability. Over 100 years' total staff experience handling every government liaison need for industry. Phone or write for details. 200 N. Glebe Rd., Suite 321 Arlington, Virginia 22203 Phone: (703) 524-8200 Fax: 525-8451 TOLL-FREE 1-800-642-6564 Major Credit Cards Accepted www.trademarkinfo.com Since 1957 GovtLiaison_Dir08 11/29/07 2:00 PM Pag KEY POINTS Researchers from the CRA-VIT (Viticulture Research Center) in northeast Italy found that 71% of the 290 vineyards studied in the Veneto wine region are affected by Pinot Grigio disease. The disease is associated with a virus and affects Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Tocai Friuliano and other grapes—in addi- tion to Pinot Gris/Grigio—in various parts of northeast Italy. Vine growth, flowering and yields are all adversely affected by the disease, for which there is no known vector at this time. Toll-Free: 877-552-4828 909-464-1373 • Fax: 909-464-1603 For your nearest dealer, contact: Quick and economical, this long-lasting dripline holder can be installed in seconds. The built-in saddle prevents water flow restriction. Available in 1/2" and 7/8" sizes. Patent No. 4,615,140 DRIPLOK™ WinVineDripLok AD.qxp_Layout 1 12/1/14 2:52 PM