Grapevine leafroll-associated virus-2 (GLRaV-2), GLRaV-3, and grapevine fleck virus (GFkV) are widespread in grapes around the world. These viruses can cause significant crop loss and affect wine quality by reducing sugar accumulation and compromising skin color. Mealybugs are vectors of grapevine leafroll-associated viruses (GLRaVs). A statewide survey of commercial and wild grapevines in Virginia was conducted during 2009 through 2011. Also, vector management options were tested in two field studies. GLRaV-2, GLRaV-3, and GFkV were detected in 8%, 25%, and 1%, respectively, of over 1,200 vine samples (41 wine grape varieties) from 77 locations, and 64% of vineyards were positive for at least one of the tested viruses. All 100 wild grapevines tested were free of these three viruses, indicating that they are not alternative hosts. The majority of infected vines from commercial vineyards were planted prior to the 1990\'s; however, some new plantings were also found to be positive, indicating movement of the viruses among vineyards and also potential infection prior to planting. The high frequency of virus-infected vines emphasizes the importance of clean plant materials, as well as management of vector insects. The insecticide trials resulted in promising vector control with dinotefuran and spirotetramat; however, acetamiprid and pryrethroid resulted in an increase in mealybug population. This study is the first to examine multiple grape viruses in VA. It will aid in developing better strategies aimed at controlling mealybugs to restrict the movement of viral diseases. / Master of Science in Life Sciences

The thesis deals with the occurrence of viral pathogens on grape - Chardonnay clones. Monitored and evaluated clones were 8, 95, 96 (foreign) on rootstocks 1103 Paulsen, SO4, Kober 5 BB and 110 Richter and VP-155/6-VP 161/6, PO-158/7 and PO-160 / 1 (Czech) on the rootstock Kober 5 BB. All plants have a controlled origin. The experiment was conducted in 2013 on the test sites in the cadastral Perná. At the beginning of vegetation were recorded values on 1 herbaceous plant -- sprouting and not-sprouting buds. During vegetation were the plants observed. From the monitored plants were harvested grapes and following parameters were checked: number and weight of the grapes, weight of berries and the stem. Furthermore, before leaf the leaves were sampled for subsequent ELISA test for viral diseases Grapevine fanleaf virus, Arabis mosaic virus, Grapevine fleck virus, Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 1 and 3, Grapevine virus A. All values were evaluated by statistical program Statistica 10.