Springtime disease symptoms at the vineyard – What to look for?

One of the first springtime symptoms of virus-infected vines is delayed bud break. New growth in vines infected with a nepovirus, such as fanleaf virus, is often stunted and leaves may be distorted or chlorotic. Yellow coloration along the veins (vein banding) may also develop.

New growth in vines infected with Pierce’s disease from previous season is often slow and new shoots are stunted. Leaves may also appear deformed and chlorotic.

Springtime symptoms of vine decline disease caused by Phaeoacemonium spp. and Phaeomoniella chlamydospora are also indicated by delayed growth. Newly emerging shoots are weak with less vigor.

Vines infected with canker fungi often show delayed bud break along with stunted and weak shoot growth. Leaf symptoms of Eutypa dieback that appear usually later in spring or early summer are unique to Eutypa. Toxins produced by Eutypa fungi cause leaves in infected vines grow small, distorted and cupped.

Spring is one of the best times for observation of grapevine disease symptoms.

Spring field surveys and inspections are available at AL&L Crop Solutions. Please contact us for more information.