A worrying development has emerged in southwestern Germany: Goldgelbe Vergilbung, also known as Golden Flavescence, has been officially detected for the first time in multiple vineyard areas of Baden-Württemberg.
The discovery, confirmed by the Freiburg State Institute of Viticulture and communicated by the Augustenberg Agricultural Technology Center (LTZ) in Karlsruhe, signals a new and serious threat to one of Germany’s most important agricultural sectors.
A Highly Destructive Grapevine Disease
Golden Flavescence is considered one of Europe’s most dangerous vine diseases. Caused by a bacteria-like organism (a phytoplasma), the disease disrupts the plant’s nutrient pathways. It is transmitted exclusively by the American grapevine leafhopper (Scaphoideus titanus), an insect species that until recently was believed not to be present in Germany.
This situation changed in 2024 with the first confirmed sightings of the insect in the Markgräflerland, also in Baden-Württemberg. The simultaneous presence of both the pathogen and its vector in the same region dramatically increases the risk of a large-scale outbreak.
Symptoms and Consequences: A Deadly Impact on Vines
Infected grapevines exhibit distinctive symptoms, which can vary by variety:
- Yellow or red leaf discoloration
- Leaves curling inward
- Drying and shriveling grape clusters
- Bitter, unusable berries
According to LTZ experts, once a vine becomes infected, it cannot be used for winemaking and will ultimately die prematurely. This makes early detection and rapid eradication crucial.
Countries such as France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, and Hungary have already experienced severe vineyard losses due to Golden Flavescence. Germany fears a similar scenario if control measures are not swiftly enforced.
A Quarantine Organism Under EU Law
The European Union officially classifies the Golden Flavescence pathogen as a quarantine organism, meaning:
- It poses major economic risk
- It must be systematically monitored, controlled, and eradicated when detected
- Member states must implement strict phytosanitary regulations
This status highlights the seriousness of the current discovery for German viticulture.
From Isolated Cases to Multi-Region Detection
Historically, Germany had only recorded two isolated cases of Golden Flavescence—in 2014 and 2020—each affecting only a single vine. Crucially, at the time, the American leafhopper was not present in the country.
That situation changed dramatically in the summer of 2024.
Current detections have been reported in vineyard plots across:
- Lörrach
- Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald
- Ortenaukreis
All of these regions lie in the southern part of Baden-Württemberg, bordering Switzerland and close to major European transport routes.
Authorities Mobilize: Eradication and Insect Control
To curb further spread, experts are urging immediate action:
- Uprooting infected vines without delay
- Combatting the American leafhopper with targeted insecticide treatments
René Fuchs from the Freiburg State Institute of Viticulture confirmed that an official ordinance will soon outline standardized measures for vineyard operators and municipalities.
How to Identify the American Grapevine Leafhopper
The insect can be recognized by three clear characteristics:
- Black wing tips
- Black wing veins
- Orange-and-white striped head
Adults measure approximately 5–6 mm. It is suspected that the species may have arrived in Germany via cars, trucks, or trains from neighboring countries where the insect is already endemic.
The Need for Vigilance and Rapid Response
The LTZ emphasizes that early detection and rapid intervention are crucial to prevent the disease from establishing itself in Germany. Once Golden Flavescence becomes endemic in a region, eradication becomes extremely difficult—and often impossible.
With Baden-Württemberg home to some of Germany’s most prestigious wine regions, the stakes are high. The next months will determine whether Golden Flavescence remains contained or becomes a long-term threat to German viticulture.
Source: Vinetur