An integrated study of virus infection in Vitis vinifera cv. Nebbiolo

Twenty Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 1 (GLRaV-1) and Grapevine virus A (GVA) doubly infected plants were identified among progeny of one Vitis vinifera cv. 'Nebbiolo' clone, originally infected with these two viruses. In the same vineyard, 20 healthy plants, derived from thermotherapy sanitation of the doubly-infected original clone, were also chosen as controls. The vineyard was located in Neive (north-western Italy). The sanitary status of each vine was confirmed by ELISA and the virus load was measured by quantitative real time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). Vegetative behaviour, yield, and grape and wine quality of the vines were compared. The protein pattern of the ripe berries was analysed using 2D electrophoresis and the proteins differentially expressed in relation to the sanitary status were identified by MALDI mass spectrometry.