While there is no cure, effective management of grapevine red blotch virus involves correctly identifying and removing infected vines. Recent research indicates that the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay is a promising, practical, and effective diagnostic tool for vineyard managers to conduct more frequent on-site testing for red blotch.
During a November 2025 webinar, Monica Cooper, DPM, Viticulture Advisor with the University of California Cooperative Extension in Napa County and UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, shared her insights on red blotch detection using the LAMP assay and how growers can use the test effectively in a vineyard setting.
Red blotch disrupts photosynthesis, causing sugars to accumulate in leaves rather than fruit. This physiological breakdown leads to berries with low sugar content, poor color, and a vegetal character that fails to meet wine quality standards…