Two viruses detected in table grapes imported into Australia from California

Abstract

Bunches of two table grape varieties, white Thompson Seedless and black Gem Seedless, imported from California were tested for 12 viruses, for phytoplasmas and for Xylella fastidiosa, the causal agent of Pierce’s disease. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of the extracts of pedicels and berry skin revealed the presence of one virus, Rupestris stem pitting associated virus (RSPaV) in Thompson Seedless, while in Gem Seedless both RSPaV and Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 4 were detected. This is the first report of the use of bunches for monitoring the movement of intracellular pathogens across quarantine borders.