Managing Vineyard Diseases
Viral Pathogens
Grape Leafroll Disease
Grape leafroll disease is one of the most important virus diseases of grapevines. It occurs in all the major grape-growing regions of the world. Grape leafroll disease can affect all native and V. vinifera varieties, hybrids, and rootstocks, although symptoms are not expressed on all infected vines.
Symptoms
Symptoms with dark-skinned berries can be recognized by red and reddish-purple tints in the interveinal areas on mature leaves in late summer and fall. These discolorations may coalesce with time, leading to reddish-purple color of interveinal areas and green tissue near the main veins.
Transmission
Long distance spread occurs primarily by movement of propagation material from infected plants.
Cultural Pest Control
Control of the disease is relatively simple—removal of the infected vines. Other than that growers should plant healthy certified stock or known to be virus-free.
Chemical Pest Control
Chemical control is not used against virus diseases.
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