The Use of a Green–Grafting Technique for the Detection of Virus–like Diseases of the Grapevine

Abstract

Abstract A new green–grafting technique developed for vegetative propagation (MARTIN et al. 1987) is currently being used for the rapid indexing of grapevine virus diseases. By this method, leafroll, fleck, corky bark, vein mosaic, vein necrosis and graft incompatibility were detected under greenhouse conditions. The symptoms appear sooner than by the usual indexing method involving field planted woody indicators. Another advantage of green–graft indexing is the high saving of space and labour. This, method provides a valuable tool for routine control of the sanitary selection of disease–free grapevines.