🦠 Grapevine leafroll
A virus that makes leaves curl and redden while berries ripen poorly.
Grapevine leafroll is one of the most widespread grape diseases. It is caused by a group of viruses that settle in the vine and stay in it for good.
The disease is easiest to see in autumn. In red varieties the leaves turn red and curl at the edges while the veins stay green. In white varieties the leaves turn yellow. Berries ripen later and gather less sugar, and the crop shrinks. Wine from a sick vine is poorer in taste and colour.
The virus is carried by mealybugs and other small insects, and it also travels with planting material. A vine cannot be cured, so sick plants are pulled out. The main defence is healthy stock: growers plant tested, healthy vine clones and watch for insect carriers.
Leafroll belongs among the vine diseases. It does not harm people; wine from such grapes can be drunk, it is just weaker.
Links
- What it affects
- 🌿 Clone (grapevine)
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- 🦠 Grapevine diseases
Frequently asked questions
What is grapevine leafroll?
It is a viral vine disease: leaves curl and turn red or yellow, and berries ripen poorly.
Can a vine be cured of leafroll?
No. Infected plants are usually removed and replaced with healthy, tested clones.
Is the virus dangerous to people?
No, it only affects the plant. Wine from infected vines is usually poorer in taste.
Similar
🦠 Anthracnose (grape) · 🦠 Black rot (grape) · 🦠 Esca · 🦠 Pierce's disease · 🦠 Flavescence dorée · 🦠 Sour rot
Sources
- Wikipedia (en): Grapevine leafroll-associated virus
- Wikipedia (fr): Maladie de l'enroulement de la vigne
- Wikidata Q3560906