Serious grapevine disease spreads across Hungarian wine regions
Minister of Agriculture István Nagy announced in a video posted on social media that intensive efforts are underway to combat the serious infection known as flavescence dorée that threatens grapevines. In cooperation with the National Council of Wine Communities, more than 200 inspection teams are searching for signs of the disease in vineyards nationwide, supplemented by drone surveillance.
By the end of the week, over 8,000 hectares of vineyards had been inspected.
The National Food Chain Safety Office's (NÉBIH) mobile laboratory can now confirm the presence of the pathogen on-site when infection is suspected. Inspections will continue until the start of the vegetation period and the completion of pruning.
"The situation is serious," emphasized István Nagy, noting that while the plant disease poses no risk to humans, its appearance causes significant damage to vineyard owners and winemakers. The government has allocated HUF 3.8 billion for control measures. Approximately half of this amount will be used for post-harvest and spring pesticide treatments.
Helicopter spraying is being carried out over large areas,
the minister stated. He added that the weather is currently aiding control efforts, as the American grapevine leafhopper that spreads the disease perishes in near-freezing dawn temperatures.
The minister explained that owners of infected vineyards can apply for state support due to mandatory control measures. They have also initiated a proposal for affected growers to be eligible for full cost compensation supplemented from EU funds.
Cover photo (for illustration purposes only): Getty Images
