Economic impact of grapevine leafroll disease on Vitis vinifera cv. Cabernet franc in Finger Lakes Vineyards of New York

Background. Grapevine leafroll disease is one of the most widespread viral diseases in vineyards, affecting nearly all grape and wine regions in the world. Infection causes yield losses, ripening delays, and alters fruit chemistry, including lowering soluble solids and increasing titratable acidity. The viruses associated with leafroll disease are transmitted through propagation of infected material, grafting, and several insect vectors. Little is known about the economic impact of grapevine leafroll disease over the lifespan of a vineyard and the cost-effectiveness of interventions of such as replacement of individual vines or vineyard replanting. Current methods to control the spread of grapevine leafroll disease in New York State are limited to planting material derived from certified, virus-tested stock and identification and removal of infected vines. We compared the economics of several leafroll management strategies and recommend loss-minimizing strategies for vineyards in the Finger Lakes of New York.