Grapevine Virus E Detected in Ohio Vineyards

Summary Wine grape production in Ohio is challenging due to unpredictable winter temperatures, late and/or early frosts, a short growing season and a plethora of diseases that can reduce yield and grape quality. Around the world, studies have shown that the impact of viral diseases in vineyards can result in a significant reduction in economic returns due to reduced yield or diminished fruit quality. From 2012 to 2016, surveys for major viruses in commercial wine grapes were conducted in order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence of viral diseases in Ohio vineyards. To date, these surveys have shown that Grape leafrollassociated viruses 2 (GLRaV-2) and 3 (GLRaV-3) and Grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV) are present in commercial vines across the state (1, 2). In this study we report that Grapevine virus E (GVE) is also present in Ohio grapevines, further increasing our knowledge of the types of grapevine viruses present in the state.