Best practice management of grapevine viruses in Australia

The key purpose of this project is to improve the management of grapevine viruses such as Leafroll and Shiraz Disease that cause reduced vine vigour, quality and yield. As well as a Best Management Practice Guide for virus management in established vineyards and new plantings in Australia, based on a draft standard protocol developed in New Zealand, the project will identify gaps in local knowledge relating to surveillance, sampling, testing and extent and impact of grapevine virus infection in Australia, and are expected to be used as part of future extension and change of practice activities within the Australian wine sector.