Flavescence dorée is a relatively new vine disease. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Its main vector is a leafhopper that infects the vine through transmitting the phytoplasma through feeding. Flavescence dorée is one of the most damaging diseases in European vineyards and it can have a severe impact.
Typical symptoms are generally visible from August until leaf fall. Biologists at the Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB) are working to increase awareness and prevent spread. I had the opportunity yesterday to work alongside them and a group in Aloxe-Corton walking through several vineyards including parts of Corton-Charlemagne looking for signs of this disease.
The disease is characterized by symptoms present simultaneously on one or more branches:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Sectorial or total discoloration of the leaves (red/purple) in red grape varieties, (yellow) for the white grape varieties. The discoloration also affects the veins.
- No hardening of the branches causing a droop
- Total or partial wilting of the bunches⠀⠀
