Grapevine flavescence dorée

Grapevine flavescence dorée is a highly destructive systemic disease caused by a phytoplasma that severely affects grapevines. This pathogen colonizes the phloem of the plant, disrupting the translocation of nutrients and causing systemic decline that can lead to the death of entire vineyard blocks.

The biological cycle of the disease relies heavily on the leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus, which acts as the primary vector. Once the insect feeds on an infected vine, it remains a permanent carrier of the phytoplasma, transmitting it to healthy plants during subsequent feeding sessions throughout its life cycle.

Key symptoms include the downward curling and yellowing or reddening of leaves, lack of lignification in new shoots, and the shriveling of flower clusters or berries. These symptoms significantly reduce both the quantity and quality of the yield, making the plants economically non-viable within a few years of infection.

Epidemiological development is favored by warm climate conditions that promote high populations of the leafhopper vector. The disease spreads most rapidly in areas where control of the vector is neglected and where infected nursery stock is planted, allowing the pathogen to establish itself in new, previously healthy areas.

Management strategies focus on the total elimination of inoculum sources and vector suppression. This includes the mandatory use of certified virus-free rootstock, systematic insecticide applications to manage Scaphoideus titanus, and the strict quarantine protocols regarding the movement of propagation material to prevent the geographic spread of the phytoplasma.

• Implementation of quarantine and strict nursery certification.
• Insecticide management targeting the vector's life stages.
• Immediate removal and destruction of infected symptomatic vines.
• Regular vineyard scouting to detect and map infestation zones.