First report of Grapevine flavescence dorée phytoplasma in the Czech Republic
The NPPO of the Czech Republic recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first report of Grapevine flavescence dorée phytoplasma (EPPO A2 List) on its territory. The phytoplasma was detected as part of an official survey in the region of South Moravia. It was first detected in the municipality of Slup, close to the border with Austria. A sample was taken from one grapevine (Vitis vinifera) plant showing suspicious symptoms in a conventional vineyard in September 2021. This was the only symptomatic plant in the vineyard. The identity of the pathogen was confirmed by the Czech National Reference Laboratory and the EU Reference Laboratory for viruses, viroids and phytoplasmas. The plant tested positive for both Grapevine flavescence dorée phytoplasma and Phytoplasma solani (EPPO A2 List). The main vector of Grapevine flavescence dorée phytoplasma, Scaphoideus titanus, is known to occur in the area.
The pathogen was also found in one Clematis vitalba plant that was growing at the margin of a conventional vineyard in the municipality of Perná, as well as in one C. vitalba plant found close to a vineyard in the municipality of Bulhary. Five plants of V. vinifera growing in the vineyards were sampled at the same time. They showed symptoms such as lightening and/or distorted leaves, but all tested negative for Grapevine flavescence dorée phytoplasma.
Eradication measures are taken in the 3 sites where the phytoplasma was detected.
The pest status of Grapevine flavescence dorée phytoplasma in the Czech Republic is officially declared as: Present, under eradication, only in some parts of the Member State concerned.
Sources
NPPO of the Czech Republic (2021-12).