As you make post-harvest plans for new plantings next year, we encourage growers to continue their vigilance against viruses and diseases by conducting independent quality control of new planting materials. Agri-Analysis has provided virus testing services for vineyard, winery, and nursery clients worldwide since 1981. Here is some advice from industry expert Dr. James Stamp when sourcing for quality grapevine stock nurseries or other sources:
1. All plant materials should have their virus status independently tested and verified.
2. Use statistically sound methods to sample and test starting, finishing or finished product for, at the least, grapevine leafroll 3 virus and red blotch virus - two of the most devastating viruses affecting grape production.
3. Ideally, test ALL mother vines for a suitable panel of economically important viruses prior to grafting.
4. If possible, inspect potted and bare root vines suitably in advance before delivery to permit sourcing of alternate materials should plants be in poor physical condition or test positive for virus.
Please contact Agri-Analysis at (800)506-952 and info@agri-analysis.com; or James at 707-217-2539 and james@
