BC Wine Grape Council Clean Plant Issues

Brief overview of BC Grape and Wine Sector Re-invented in 1989 Approx. 130 Wineries Approx 10,000 acres in wine grapes (2009) Main Reds: Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah Main Whites:Chard, Pinot Gris, Gewuerz, Pinot Blanc, Riesling

Current Plant Sources > 90% are grafted plants Large majority of these are imported from France, some from Germany and the rest from Ontario, Washington, Oregon and California.

Phytosanitary Issues Virus Survey 1994 to 96 As a result, delisting of GLRaV I and III, ArMV and GFLV; missed opportunity for BC. Crown gall

Phytoplasma -Flavescence dorée, main vector Scaphoideus Titanus -Bois Noir, main vector Hyalesthes obsoletus Bois noir discovered on plants imported from France. Attempts in 2005 to block imports from France failed. New plantings (2006) are put under quarantine like conditions for three years. Monitored for symptoms of Phytoplasma and presence of vectors. From 2007 on, all plants imported from France and Germany must undergo hot water treatment (35 minutes at 50º C, 122ºF)

Industry response Different responses from BC and Ontario Political meddling by importing brokers Regulators under pressure from politicians BC decides to develop a clean plant strategy on their own Why bother? Migration and adaptation of vectors Effect on quality Impact on returns

Challenges and opportunities Very little grafting done in BC to date Relatively small market for plants Lack of a certification system Small repository of G-1 material in Sanichton (Vancouver Island) Potential for partnerships with Washington and Oregon

Thank You! bcwgc.org