| In New Zealand, Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3) is the most destructive viral disease of Vitis vinifera. With no cure, GLRaV-3 can adversely alter crop yield and berry quality so acting quickly to minimise its influence is important for economic sustainability. Vine to vine spread of GLRaV-3 occurs by dispersing viruliferous (infected) insect vectors, which includes sap-sucking mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). In vineyards affected by GLRaV-3, the national industry body, New Zealand Winegrowers, has developed a management response that when implemented can reduce annual incidence to less than 1%. The steps taken to achieve this outcome are briefly discussed, with a particular emphasis on mealybug control and monitoring. |
