Rupestris stem pitting disease

Rupestris stem pitting disease is a viral infection caused by the Grapevine rupestris stem pitting-associated virus (GRSPaV), which is a member of the Foveavirus genus. This disease is widely distributed across global viticulture regions and is known to cause significant economic losses by reducing vine vigor and yield quality.

The primary host for this virus is the cultivated grapevine (Vitis vinifera) and various rootstock varieties. While many commercial varieties remain asymptomatic for long periods, the disease can cause severe physiological stress when susceptible rootstocks or sensitive scion-rootstock combinations are utilized in vineyard establishment.

The hallmark symptoms of the disease include deep, longitudinal grooves and pitting on the woody stems, which are typically visible only when the bark is removed. Chronic infection often leads to structural weakness of the trunk, poor graft union development, delayed bud break, and an overall reduction in the plant's productive lifespan.

• Graft-transmissible via infected scions or rootstocks.
• Potential transmission via contaminated pruning tools.
• High prevalence of latent, asymptomatic infections.
• Negative impact on scion-rootstock compatibility.

As there are no curative treatments for viral diseases in viticulture, the management of Rupestris stem pitting centers on exclusion and prevention. Growers must source certified, virus-indexed propagation material, implement rigorous sanitation protocols for pruning equipment, and remove symptomatic vines to prevent the silent spread of the virus within the vineyard block.