Croatia Ministry issues alert over grapevine Flavescence dorée spread

The Croatian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has issued an urgent call for vigilance regarding the spread of Flavescence dorée, one of the most dangerous grapevine diseases. The ministry is advising all grapevine owners, ranging from professional producers to hobbyists and residential gardeners, to inspect their vines immediately.

To prevent further spread, the ministry mandates specific phytosanitary measures. These include the timely identification and destruction of infected vines, including their roots, and the monitoring and control of the American grapevine moth, which serves as the primary vector for the disease. Other recommended actions include clearing abandoned vineyards, removing bindweed as a potential host for the moth, and using only certified, healthy planting material.

Symptoms typically become visible starting in June and are most pronounced during the autumn. Authorities emphasize that infected vines cannot recover and must be removed before the new growing season to prevent them from becoming sources of infection.