Slovakia's ZMOS and Zdravý Vinič sign memorandum to combat grapevine yellows disease

The Association of Cities and Municipalities of Slovakia (ZMOS) and the viticulture association Zdravý Vinič signed a memorandum on 30 July to protect Slovak vineyards from the quarantine disease known as golden yellowness (zlaté žltnutie viniča). The disease, spread by the leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus and infected planting material, can damage grape production and affect both large estates and small garden growers.

The agreement aims to link growers, landowners, experts and local authorities through regional training, field screening with the mobile FytoExpres system and a dedicated communication tool. Municipalities will help with outreach and information delivery but will not replace expert diagnosis or legislative responsibilities. ZMOS president Jozef Božik emphasized that “the disease does not respect vineyard borders… we need cooperating territories,” while scientist Bruno Gábel warned that mistimed protection without coordinated action poses the greatest risk. Planned activities include seminars, practical demonstrations in vineyards and the development of a coordinated monitoring network.