Hungarian vineyards are under serious threat – Nébih calls on farmers to take action

The pathogen affects almost all European grape varieties, especially Chardonnay, Kékfrankos, Pinot noir, Cabernet sauvignon, Rizling and Szürkebarát. As a result of the infection, the yield can drop by up to 20–50 percent, and the disease spreads rapidly: the number of diseased plants can increase up to tenfold per year.

The pathogen is primarily spread by the American grape cicada, which lives on grapes and can be found in every county in Hungary, and which infects them by sucking the sap of the grapes. The infection can also appear on other plants – such as hazelnuts or willows – but it causes economic damage exclusively in grapes.

The most effective control against the disease is prevention: the use of certified propagation material, as well as control against cicadas in grape-growing areas designated by the authorities or in other areas designated by the authorities. Since there is no pesticide against it, the eradication of host plants and the reduction of the number of cicadas are the most important tools. Nébih calls for the active participation of grape growers to preserve the health of historical wine regions and the future of domestic wine culture.