Effects of Grapevine Leafroll-Associated Virus 3 on the Physiology and Must of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Albariño Following Contamination in the Field

Abstract

An experimental vineyard that was healthy when planted, but in which a number of GLRaV-3 infected plants were detected two years after grafting, was studied during its first three productive years. The sugar content of the must of GLRaV-3 infected plants was an average 1° Brix lower than that of healthy plants, their titratable acidity was higher and their pH lower, especially in years with adverse weather conditions. Although the development of the vines during the first productive years was not affected by the virus, the lower net photosynthesis in leaves with symptoms of leafroll may affect the yield of the vines in the long term.