First report of Grapevine flavescence dorée in Portugal
In 2007, during an official survey on flavescence dorée (EPPO A2 List) typical symptoms were observed in vineyards (Vitis vinifera cvs. ‘Loureiro’ and ‘Vinhão’) from the region of Amares, Northern Portugal. It is recalled that in 2002, similar but less severe symptoms had been noted in the same region but they were associated with other phytoplasmas (belonging to the ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’ group). However the grapevine flavescence dorée phytoplasma had been detected in the insect vector Scaphoideus titanus (EPPO RS 2003/152). Cuttings and leaf samples were collected from both symptomatic and asymptomatic grapevines. Molecular tests (nested-PCR, sequencing) confirmed the presence of Grapevine flavescence dorée phytoplasma (16SrV-D group). In addition to Amares, the disease was later detected in the municipalities of Braga and Ponte de Lima. Because flavescence dorée is a serious threat to vineyards, phytosanitary measures, including compulsory control against S. titanus, are being implemented in Portugal to eradicate the disease.
The situation of Grapevine flavescence dorée phytoplasma in Portugal can be described as follows: Present, first detected in 2007, only found in Northern Portugal (Amares, Braga, Ponte de Lima), under official control.
Sources
De Sousa E, Casati P, Cardoso F, Baltazar C, Durante G, Quaglino F, Bianco PA (2009) Flavescence dorée phytoplasma affecting grapevine (Vitis vinifera) newly reported in Portugal. New Disease Reports vol. 19 (February 2009 to August 2009) http://www.bspp.org.uk/publications/new-disease-reports/ndr.php?id=019033
Diário da República, 2.ª série - N.º 197 - 10 de Outubro de 2008. Despacho no°. 25296/2008. http://www.drapn.min-agricultura.pt/drapn/fil_videira/Despacho_n