Grapevine berry inner necrosis virus (GINV) (Trichovirus necroacini) was detected in a small number of rootstocks and table grape varieties across Victorian, Queensland and South Australian grape growing regions during late 2025 and early 2026.
This is the first time GINV has been recorded in Australia. The current extent of its distribution remains unknown.
While some table grape producers have reported restricted spring growth in recent seasons, it has not been confirmed that GINV is the cause, although observed symptoms may appear similar.
Primary hosts
Grapevines (Vitis spp.) (scion and rootstock) are the primary and only known natural hosts of GINV. There are currently no confirmed major alternative host crops.
Symptoms
Data and observations from overseas and limited local infections have reported:
- chlorotic (yellow) mottling or mosaic patterns on leaves
- ringspot patterns on foliage
- shortened internodes and reduced vine vigour
- smaller berries
- tightly packed grape bunches on vines
- brown or necrotic tissue inside the berry (internal necrosis), sometimes without obvious external symptoms
- altered sugar and acid balance in fruit.
Most reports of GINV detail the symptoms above, however the virus may display varied symptoms in other growing regions or be asymptomatic.
Some local presentations included restricted growth in spring, however it is not possible to confirm if this was due to the virus or other contributing factors.
Laboratory analysis is the only method known to identify GINV.
Potential impacts
Infected vines may show reduced productivity and compromised fruit quality. As with many grapevine viruses, symptoms and impacts can vary depending on cultivar, environmental conditions and whether other viruses are also present.
There is currently no published information on the economic impact of GINV.
Industry is conducting further investigations and surveillance to better understand this virus and how it can be managed to minimise the impact.
Transmission
The grape erineum mite (blister and bud mite), Colomerus vitis, transmits the GINV between grapevines. All grapevine viruses, including GINV, are transmitted through vegetative propagation of infected planting material.
Preventing or managing GINV
Although there is no known cure for GINV infected vines, good vineyard hygiene and biosecurity practices are key to avoiding impacts of the disease.
To reduce the risk of introduction and spread:
- avoid sharing/using cuttings or propagation material with unknown health status
- source certified virus-tested planting material from reputable suppliers
- maintain records of vine and propagation material sources
- monitor vineyards regularly for unusual symptoms
- implement mite management where appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
Where is GINV? How widespread is GINV?
The virus was first recognised in Japan in the 1980s and has since been reported in other grape-growing regions, particularly in parts of Asia.
In Australia, it has been detected in a small number of rootstocks and some table grape vines in Victoria, Queensland and South Australia. Further testing may reveal the additional spread.
Is GINV the same as restricted spring growth (RSG)?
We do not know yet if RSG is caused by GINV, environmental stresses, other viruses or diseases or a combination of these factors.
What will GINV do to my vineyard, production and/or quality?
There is no economic impact study of GINV in grapevines.
Visual symptoms can include stunted growth, smaller leaves and berries, slow-ripening grapes, and reduced grape quality.
What can I do to prevent GINV coming onto my vineyard?
Prioritise farmgate hygiene to prevent the entry.
- Practice “clean in and clean out”
- Control mites (GINV’s vector) to slow the spread to adjoining vines
- Purchase known GINV-free planting material and ask for evidence of testing.
If I have GINV, what can I do to slow the spread?
Prioritise farmgate hygiene. Use clean grapevine material. Clean machinery and equipment between vineyards to prevent spread of infectious mite vectors.
How do I control mites?
Various chemical, biological and cultural control methods in line with integrated pest management can be adopted to encourage predatory insects into your vineyard.
Check ATGA’s Exports Online MRL search and the May 2026 edition of the Vine for current mite control measures. Some fungicides will reduce predator populations and allow mites to flourish, increasing the risk of GINV spread. Use insecticides in line with good Integrated Pest Management practices (IPM).
Can GINV spread via other vectors?
It is unclear if other insect vectors, such as other mites, scale and mealybugs, may spread the virus. Additional transmission may occur when vectors hitchhike.
What are the symptoms I need to look for?
Not all GINV infected grapevines will show visual symptoms. It may take some years for symptoms to appear, if at all. International experience suggests looking for:
- reduced shoot growth and shortened internodes
- chlorotic (yellow) mottling or mosaic patterns on leaves
- ringspot patterns on foliage
- shortened internodes and reduced vine vigour
- smaller berries
- tightly packed grape bunches on vines
- brown or necrotic tissue inside the berry (internal necrosis), sometimes without obvious external symptoms
- altered sugar and acid balance in fruit.
Some of these symptoms may also be associated with environmental stresses, poor grapevine nutrition, and/or other viruses or diseases.
Can GINV live in other host crops and spread to grapevines?
GINV only infects grapevines. This includes table grapes, wine grapes, dried grapes and rootstocks. Although scientists have tested it on other plants in the lab, grapevines remain the only plants it naturally affects in real vineyard conditions.
Sampling & testing
Virus testing can be undertaken at:
Agriculture Victoria: (03) 9032 7515 or chs.reception@agriculture.vic.gov.au
WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development: (08) 9368 3351 or ddls@dpird.wa.gov.au
If you would like help coordinating your testing, please contact ATGA.
Additional resources
Plant Health Australia has released a factsheet.