Page 59 - Grapevine May-June 2019

Around The Vineyard

A non-grafted vine displaying Syrah decline, surronded by apparently healthy vines.

Viticulture in Argentina & Chile

from a Plant Pathologist Perspective

By: Judit Monis, Ph.D.
T his year I was invited to speak at different where Vitis (the grapevine genus) species origi-

nated. These disease agents (bacteria, fungi, and
events organized by the Chilean Nursery
Association (AGV) and Wines of Chile.
While in Chile, I attended the 19th Congress of viruses) were introduced to other places in the
world with the propagation and planting material.
the International Council for the study of virus and Specifically, the varieties and clones that are grown
virus-like diseases of the grapevine (ICVG). The in vineyards belong to the Vitis vinifera species
ICVG meeting was held and hosted in Viña Santa (of Eastern European and Asian origin) while the
Carolina Winery facilities near Santiago. While I rootstocks grown commercially belong to American
was traveling in South America, I had an opportuni- Vitis species. When grape cultivation started coun-
ty to visit vineyards in Argentina and Chile. Today I tries were not set up with quarantine programs,
will share information I learned about winegrowing neither modern diagnostic tools we use today (PCR,
in Argentina and Chile. As you know my interests ELISA, etc.) to detect pathogens were available.
are in grapevine diseases, how to prevent disease Consequently, since the early days of grapevine cul-
development and spread in the vineyard. So, it tivation European and American grapevine patho-
will not be surprising that this article will focus on gens have been moving from one site to another
vine diseases. for many generations.

Grapevine Diseases Originate Where Argentine and Chilean Grape growing
Vitis Species Originate Regions are Strikingly Different

It is easy to guess that grapevine pathogens (dis- Being from Argentina, I frequently visit vineyards
ease causing agents) originated at the same place and wineries in South America. Argentina ‘s viti-

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