Leaf Roll Disease a Cause of Concern to Wine Growers

This is a potential long-term risk for the industry and steps are being taken to manage the crisis. Growers in Marlborough said that they were in a better position as their crops were not completely damaged as those of some North Island vineyards. Riversun Nursery marketing manager Robbie Greenslade said that the virus affected both red and white wine grapes. The affected crops yielded poor quality and quantity of grapes. It is estimated that a vineyard completely infected with the virus could cost the grower $12,000 a hectare a year with total replanting costs of $57,000 a hectare.