Nearly 100 people attended a pivotal symposium focused on grapevine epidemic diseases, where they exchanged ideas, discussed pressing issues, and learned from 15 international speakers.
Topics covered included the impact of climate change, international standards, regulatory frameworks, mitigation strategies, and the economic impact of grapevine epidemic diseases.
The event underscored the urgent need to address and combat these diseases, which pose significant threats to viticulture worldwide.
Opening Remarks and Recognition
The symposium was inaugurated by Sid Miller, Commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), who welcomed participants and emphasized the collaboration between TDA and the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV). In a video message, OIV Director General John Barker highlighted the importance of the scientific symposium, given the growing concerns among vitivinicultural countries about the spread of diseases such as Pierce’s disease in North America and Mexico, and Flavescence dorée in Europe.
The event also honored Thomas Volney Munson’s remarkable contributions to Texas and global viticulture. Heather McKinney, a descendant of T.V. Munson, was presented with an artistic illustration of the Carmenère variety, painted by a French artist, in recognition of Munson’s legacy.
Global Strategies and Scientific Insights
The symposium featured four scientific and technical sessions, each delving into different aspects of grapevine health and disease management.
Session One: Climate Change and Viticulture
- Amit Dhingra from Texas A&M University discussed how climate change is affecting viticulture globally, necessitating adaptation to new adverse cultivation conditions.
- Rodrigo Almeida of UC Berkeley highlighted the impact of climate change on the epidemiology of Pierce’s disease, stressing the need for increased focus on the disease’s vectors.
- Elisa Angelini from CREA VE in Italy introduced the issue of Flavescence dorée, noting its significant spread in Europe following the revocation of effective insecticides.
Session Two: International Standards
- Enrico Battiston of OIV, Valerie Grimault of EPPO, and Sarah Brearey of NAPPO presented existing standards. They emphasized the crucial role of international organizations in viticulture and plant protection, providing harmonized guidelines for controlling grapevine diseases and their vectors.
Session Three: Regulatory Frameworks
- Representatives from key vitivinicultural countries discussed their regulatory systems for disease monitoring and control.
- Allen Proxmire from USDA APHIS underscored the importance of control measures across the US.
- Gabrielle Vivian-Smith of Australia’s DAFF presented the national biosecurity program.
- Mylona Panayota from the European Commission DG SANTE highlighted the impact of the new EU Plant Health Law.
Session Four: Successful Global Practices
- Luis Diaz-Garcia from UC Davis introduced a breeding program to develop grapevine varieties resistant to Pierce’s disease.
- Jacques Grosman from the French Ministry of Agriculture discussed France's national strategy to monitor and prevent the spread of Flavescence dorée.
- Fiona Constable from Australia’s Victorian Department of Environment and Primary Industries provided an overview of Australia’s phytosanitary measures, including screening imported plant material and hot water treatment.
Texas Approach and Future Directions
A final panel involving professionals and scientists from the Texan wine industry and research centers discussed the state’s approach to managing Pierce’s disease and promoting research activities for enhanced protection. The symposium concluded with a round table moderated by Peter Hayes, OIV Honorary President, where speakers debated the development of a coordinated international approach to managing grapevine epidemic diseases.
Actionable Recommendations
In conclusion, several key actions were suggested:
- Reinforcement of grape breeding programs, incorporating new biotechnological tools to accelerate the development of disease-resistant varieties.
- In-depth studies of vineyard soil quality and life to set appropriate mitigation strategies against climate change stresses.
- Increased attention to insect vectors and their interactions with pathogens and plants.
- Enhanced knowledge sharing with professionals in the vitivinicultural sector through specific training programs.
- Improvement of an international research network to avoid redundancy and optimize funding.
- Mitigation strategies that consider the social impact of epidemic diseases and their control.
- Development of a harmonized international approach, ensuring interdisciplinary discussions among scientists, national institutions, and professional associations, coordinated by the OIV and IPPC’s regional organizations.
Closing Remarks
The symposium concluded with remarks from Lindsay Baerweld, TDA Marketing Specialist, who praised the productive and stimulating day. She expressed hope for future editions of the symposium to continue fostering international collective action in addressing the challenge of grapevine epidemic diseases.
A letter of intent between the OIV and the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) was signed in January 2024, aiming to strengthen collaboration in plant protection products, phytosanitary regulations, and grapevine health. This partnership underscores the commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals, combating climate change, and promoting sustainable development in the viticulture sector.