Grapevine Fanleaf Virus (GFLV) Distribution in North-Central Algeria's Wine-Growing Regions

Abstract

Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) is one of the most damaging viruses to grapevine around the world, causing infected vine less productive and less vigorous. The study investigated the detection and distribution of GFLV in five principal wine-producing regions of north-central Algeria: Algiers, Blida, Tipaza, Médéa, and Boumerdès. During the 2020-2024 wine seasons, 400 vine samples were collected from both symptomatic and asymptomatic vines. The Double-Antibody Sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (DAS-ELISA) serological technique was used to detect the GFLV virus. The results showed a varying incidence of GFLV based on the regions investigated. Of the 400 samples analyzed, the DAS-ELISA serological technique showed an infection rate of 46.5%, the highest infection rate reported in Boumerdes with 53.76%, followed by the Médéa region with an infection rate of 40.32%. Stunted growth and flower aboration were the most discriminating symptoms of the virus in vineyards. The 1103 Paulsen rootstock and Dattier de Beyrouth grape varieties were observed to be the most sensitive to the GFLV virus. The regional distribution implies a large yet diverse presence of the virus suggesting many sources of infection and potential vector activity. These results illustrate the necessity to strengthen management strategies and restrict the progression of the GFLV in Algerian vineyards.