Grapevine testing

Grapevine Leafroll-associated Virus Type 3 symptoms on Pinot noir.

Linnaeus is recognised worldwide for its grapevine virus diagnostics, both ELISA and more recently, through state-of-the-art real-time PCR methods.

We also offer DNA fingerprinting to verify the identity of a suspected grapevine (i.e. verifying a cane really is Riesling or that a particular rootstock really is SO4 as examples).

Grapevines are known hosts for over 60 different viruses and routinely we screen for over 20 viruses and strains.

However, together with our phytoplasma and Pierce's Disease (Xylella fastidiosa) diagnostics, Linnaeus screens for over 30 damaging agents when requested or for the testing of imported grapevine material.

Once we're in receipt of your samples, testing results are usually available within five working days, and can be emailed or faxed back to you for review and further consultation.

Courier Address
Linnaeus laboratory
4 Banks Street
Gisborne
Phone: +64 6 867 8512
Fax: +64 6 867 4913
Freephone (within New Zealand): 0800 254 662
Email: info@linnaeus.co.nz

Virus information fact sheets

Fungal and bacterial diagnostics

The laboratory can isolate, culture and identify a broad range of fungi and bacteria affecting grapevines. Fungal pathogens are detectable all year round.

To perform a fungal evaluation and subsequent assays, please call us before collecting your samples and we will fax you the full instructions on how to label, collect, package and courier the plant materials to our laboratory.