New home for grapevine virus testing
The Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) and the University of Adelaide have jointly announced that plant virus testing and elimination services formerly provided by Waite Diagnostics have been transferred to The Australian Wine Research Institute.
The services offered, which include testing for 12 grapevine viruses and phytoplasmas, as well as other pathogens responsible for diseases in canola, lucerne and other crops, will continue to be provided by the same experienced personnel, with no interruptions during the transition.
The University's Dr Nuredin Habili, lead researcher and long-time manager of the virus testing service, says the change “will result in a one-stop shop for the majority of testing requirements by grapegrowers and winemakers”.