Best practice sampling and virus detection in Australian grapevine propagation assets

The health and genetic provenance of grapevine propagation material are critical to the sustainability and competitiveness of Australia's wine sector. Virus infections in propagation material pose significant risks to grapevine health and productivity, necessitating robust management strategies. This three-year project aims to develop and recommend best practice guidelines for the sampling and diagnosis of virus infections in grapevine propagation material and source vine plantings. These outcomes will form the foundation for a science-based Accreditation and Certification Scheme for grapevine planting material. The project will deliver: - Best practice sampling and diagnostic protocols tailored to the needs of the propagation supply chain. - Comprehensive guidelines for virus management across the four main propagation assets (nuclear collections, germplasm collections, multiplication rows, and source blocks). - Recommendations for testing protocols and virus exclusion criteria, focusing on key viruses and mixed infections. - Standardised operating procedures for harmonised testing among diagnostic laboratories. - A framework for a sustainable proficiency testing program to ensure diagnostic reliability across laboratories. This project will engage key stakeholders, including industry representatives and international experts, to ensure alignment with industry needs and the adoption of best practices.