IDENTIFICATION OF GRAPEVINE PINOT GRIS VIRUS IN SARDINIA AND LAZIO (SOUTH AND CENTRAL ITALY)

Grapevine Pinot gris virus (GPGV) was identified in several grapevine cultivars, particularly in cv 'Vermentino' showing leaf mottling and deformation, in the Sardinia and Lazio regions of Italy. The majority of GPGV-infected cultivars were asymptomatic but the virus was not detected in samples from vineyards older than 10 years and/or planted with local cultivars, confirming the recent introduction of the virus in these two regions likely through the distribution and use of infected propagation material. Similar to reports from other regions, the high incidence of GPGV in asymptomatic vines is creating challenges with regard to control.