First record of Grapevine flavescence dorée phytoplasma in Switzerland
In Ticino (Switzerland), symptoms of grapevine yellows were observed in autumn 2004 in 3 localities of the Mendrisiotto vineyards. Analysis revealed the presence of Grapevine flavescence dorée phytoplasma (EPPO A2 list). This is the first time flavescence dorée has been reported in Switzerland. The insect vector, Scaphoideus titanus, had been reported for several years in Ticino and in a few vineyards of the Geneva canton, but it has not been caught in other grapevine-producing regions. In Ticino, official control measures against S. titanus have been implemented since 2001, and now all plants found infected by flavescence dorée are being destroyed.
The situation of Grapevine flavescence dorée in Switzerland can be described as follows: Present, first reported in few vineyards (Mendrisiotto) in Ticino in 2004, under official control.
Sources
Stäubli A. (2005) Faits marquants dans la recherche 2004. La flavescence dorée de la vigne est apparue pour la première fois en Suisse. Revue suisse de Viticulture, Arboriculture, Horticulture 37(3), p 149.
INTERNET
Servizio fitosanotario cantonale, Ticino, Bolletino fitosanitario no. 31 (2004-12-13). http://www.ti.ch/DFE/DE/SezA/temi_02/pubblicazioni/fito/2004/bof3104.pdf