A single resistance factor to solve vineyard degeneration due to grapevine fanleaf virus

Grapevine fanleaf disease, caused by grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV), transmitted by the soil-borne nematode Xiphinema index, provokes severe symptoms and economic losses, threatening vineyards worldwide. As no effective solution exists so far to control grapevine fanleaf disease in an environmentally friendly way, we investigated the presence of resistance to GFLV in grapevine genetic resources. We discovered that the Riesling variety displays resistance to GFLV, although it is susceptible to X. index. This resistance is determined by a single recessive factor located on grapevine chromosome 1, which we have named rgflv1. The discovery of rgflv1 paves the way for the first effective and environmentally friendly solution to control grapevine fanleaf disease through the development of new GFLV-resistant grapevine rootstocks, which was hitherto an unthinkable prospect. Moreover, rgflv1 is putatively distinct from the virus susceptibility factors already described in plants. Djennane, Merdinoglu and colleagues identify a single genetic factor, rgflv1, in Riesling grapes that confers a resistance to grapevine fanleaf virus. This resistance factor may inform genetic solutions for control of this virus in many grape varieties.

Automated summary

Researchers discovered that the Riesling variety of grapes displays resistance to grapevine fanleaf virus, providing a new genetic resource for controlling the disease. They also identified a single recessive factor named rgflv1 located on grapevine chromosome 1, paving the way for development of GFLV-resistant grapevine rootstocks. This resistance factor, distinct from virus susceptibility factors in other plants, presents a novel and environmentally friendly solution for managing grapevine fanleaf disease.