Golden yellow grape disease is spreading: the serious disease has already reached the Somló wine region

Grape golden yellows (Flavescence dorée, FD) is a phytoplasma-derived disease, against which there is currently no effective pesticide treatment. An invasive insect, the American grapevine cicada (Scaphoideus titanus), is responsible for the spread of the disease. Nébih emphasizes that protection against it, especially in the affected regions, is essential in order to protect the Hungarian grapevine and wine culture.

The only effective way to prevent infection at present is targeted spraying against the American grapevine cicada and the use of healthy propagation materials. Protection is mandatory in all officially demarcated areas, as well as in all domestic grape propagation material-producing areas. The authority also strongly recommends the use of preventive treatments in other grape-growing regions.

The risk of infection is increased by the fact that the insect’s host plants also occur outside the vineyards, so their eradication is also an important part of the control strategy.

With the current announcement, 15 out of 22 Hungarian wine regions are now affected by the disease, including Villány, Tokaj, Eger and Szekszárd. The cooperation of the authority and professional organizations is now particularly important in order to protect the growing areas that are vital for the Hungarian wine industry from the further spread of the pathogen.