Potential Implications and Management of Grapevine Viruses in Mexico: A Review

Abstract

Worldwide, virus infections in grapevines are of concern due to the potential for economic loss. Although the grape industry in Mexico is relatively small and focused mainly on the local market, production dates back to the time of the Spanish colonization. This manuscript discusses the findings on grapevine viruses in Mexico. Nine viruses have been identified in the last fifty years, including grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV), grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3), grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV), and grapevine virus A (GVA). Important information is provided about these viruses and viral pathogens that have not yet been reported in Mexico, but represent an ongoing threat to plant health and grapevine production in other viticultural regions of the world. Strategies for virus control in vineyards are described. The information discussed here should be shared with growers and stakeholders to prevent future negative impacts on the Mexican grapevine industry and to save ancient grapevine accessions.

High-Throughput Sequencing of Grapevine in Mexico Reveals a High Incidence of Viruses including a New Member of the Genus Enamovirus

“…The high incidence of viral agents calls for an improvement in the sanitation protocols and management of grapevine viruses in Mexico. Previously, we discussed the risk posed by viral pathogens for grapevine production in this country [ 7 ]. Some of the viruses here identified are vectored by arthropods and nematodes, in addition to virus transmission via plant propagation material, consequently, this may contribute to the spread of viral diseases in Mexican vineyards.…”

“…Prior to this research, the only grapevine viruses partially documented in Mexico were grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV), grapevine fleck virus (GFkV), grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV), grapevine rupestris stem pitting-associated virus (GRSPaV), grapevine leafroll-associated viruses 1, 2, 3 (GLRaV1, GLRaV2, GLRaV3), and grapevine viruses A and B (GVA, GVB); however, as discussed by [ 6 ], most reports are anecdotal sources lacking a confirmatory study. Little work has been done on the diagnostics and monitoring of grapevine viruses in Mexico, and there are no reports on their economic impact [ 7 ].…”

“…These studies include the detection of viruses in citrus trees, berries, beans, and non-cultivated plants [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ]. HTS has not been applied to grapevines, despite the potential of the technique to know the phytosanitary status of this crop in the country [ 7 ]. For this reason, we surveyed grapevines in Queretaro, one of the most significant wine-producing entities in Mexico.…”

Mexican Wines: Impact of Geography, Climate, and Soil on the Quality of the Grape and Wine─A Review

“…Mexican viticulture is relatively new compared to countries considered world leaders. 12 Nonetheless, it is one of the oldest in the American continent, boasting the oldest vineyards in this region. During the 16th century, the New World's first grapevine plantations took root in Mexico.…”

Complete Genome Characterization of Penicillimonavirus gammaplasmoparae, a Bipartite Member of the Family Mymonaviridae

“…Among them, 35 viral species have been associated with major grapevine diseases, like infectious degeneration and decline, leafroll, rugose wood, fleck, red-blotch, leaf mottling and deformation, vein clearing, and Roditis leaf discoloration [ 1 , 2 ]. However, a much more complex grapevine virome has been described, with 97 viral species known from this crop to date [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ].…”