Biology and Spread of Grapevine Red Blotch-Associated Virus

Grapevine red blotch-associated virus (GRBaV) is associated with red blotch, a newlyrecognized emerging viral disease. We showed that GRBaV is the causal agent of the disease and microshoot tip culture can eliminate the virus from infected vines. Two distinct groups of GRBaV isolates exist in infected vines and currently available diagnostic tools are robust for a reliable detection of all isolates. Efforts to develop a serological detection assay for GRBaV are under way. Monitoring incidence of GRBaV in vineyards over time did not provide compelling evidence of spread. Research progress was extended to stakeholders through 15 presentations at conventions, field days and IPM conferences.