There has been a national communication (attached) issued today alerting the wine industry about the discovery of Grapevine Red Blotch Virus (GRBV) within vine collections in other states (Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia). Whilst this is a strong concern, from a NSW perspective, we are currently classifying the situation as ‘Watch And Be Alert’.

At this time the main points to note are:

• There have been recent detections of GRBV in vine collections in Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia.
• At the time of writing, there are no known positive cases for GRBV within NSW.
• GRBV is a High Priority Plant Pest for the viticulture industries and therefore this detection is significant.
• GRBV is not reported to cause vine death, nor does it pose a threat to grape or wine consumers.
• GRBV has caused economic impacts to the North American wine industry due to lower yields, delayed maturity, and reduced quality.
• Tracing and testing continues across the country.

The NSW DPI and NSW Wine Industry Association are working together on the current situation within the Australian wine industry including;

1. Investigating and following up with the grapevine collections interstate that have detected the virus to understand if any distribution into NSW has taken place.

2. Based on further information provided we will be engaging with stakeholders to develop appropriate plans for any surveillance, tracking, tracing and testing in the coming season.

The NSW DPI and NSW WINE have put together an up-to-date Prime Fact Sheet on Grapevine Red Blotch Virus (attached) for NSW grape growers including key information, contacts for enquiries, as well as actions and testing options for this coming season. Also attached is the Australian Grape & Wine national release for your information.

We will continue to work with the NSW DPI and keep the NSW wine industry informed and up to date as more information comes to hand. Please read the information provided and be alert. If you have any technical enquiries on GRBV the NSW DPI Program Leader for Southern Horticulture Myles Parker can be contacted on myles.parker@dpi.nsw.gov.au