First report of Grapevine flavescence dorée phytoplasma in Austria
The NPPO of Austria recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first finding of Grapevine flavescence dorée phytoplasma (EPPO A2 List) on its territory. The phytoplasma was detected in 2009 on grapevine (Vitis vinifera) and Clematis vitalba in Steiermark. In vineyards, samples had been collected from different parts of the plants and sent for diagnosis to a laboratory of the Institute of Plant Health. The phytoplasma was detected on Vitis vinifera cvs. ‘Isabella’, ‘Müller Thurgau’ and ‘Sämling 88’ and on Clematis vitalba by PCR, RFLP and sequencing. These results were confirmed by another reference laboratory. Phytosanitary measures were immediately taken to eradicate flavescence dorée. All infested plants of Vitis vinifera and Clematis vitalba were uprooted and destroyed. In addition, a focus zone (1 km surrounding the outbreak) and a buffer zone (5 km surrounding the focus zone) were delimited at the beginning of the 2010 growing season. Regulations of the regional government of Steiermark about the control of Scaphoideus titanus will be amended.
The pest status of Grapevine flavescence dorée phytoplasma in Austria is officially declared as: Local outbreaks, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Austria (2010-02).