Phytosanitary rules for grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) propagation material introduction into EU for germplasm conservation and scientific purposes

The main purpose of the present proposal is to simplify and make more consistent the regulation for grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) propagation material introduction into EU for germplasm conservation, scientific purposes and breeding. Germplasm collections should be considered with a particular attention by the phytosanitary regulations. They represent a precious source of genetic resources. Not rarely a cultivar is maintained just in one collection. A sustainable strategy for germplasm conservation, evaluation and utilization should include firstly a wider application of diagnostic tools and disease control in the germplasm repositories. Moreover the germplasm mobilization does represent a real opportunity to reduce the risk of loosing biodiversity. In this context the present specific protocol intends to regulate the germplasm circulation among institutions holding germplasm collections, including specific quarantine procedure management. The present protocol is based on the FAO/IBPGR Technical Guidelines for the Safe Movement of Grapevine Germplasm (1991) taking however into account that the guideline does not include the most recent knowledge and methods currently available and used. Moreover it should be noted that: ● the Technical guidelines are very complicated, not applicable for practical and fast plant material introduction into EU because the evaluation and therapy of infected material are rather difficult, time consuming and expensive; moreover the effect of the thermotherapy may be critical on the phenotypic trueness to type and stability; ● more than one pesticide recommended by the Technical guidelines is not yet allowed; ● the therapy procedures should be used just in case of a very unique material.