How can you weaken the effects of grapevine red blotch disease?

With grapevine red blotch disease widespread across the West, it can impact both young and mature vineyards.

UCCE San Joaquin County Viticulture Advisor Justin Tanner says it is best to avoid the virus by using “clean” plant material. Clean vines are those that have been tested and confirmed to be free of the virus and any other important viruses that plague grapevines. When testing plants for viruses, it is important to test for multiple viruses.

He adds that while there is no known cure for red blotch disease, producers can replant the clean vines derived from virus-tested stocks.