Harmonization and validation of diagnostic protocols for the detection of grapevine viruses covered by phytosanitary rules.

The Italian Ministry of Agriculture funded in 2009 the "ARNADIA" Project, aimed at producing validated reference diagnostic protocols for the control and monitoring of plant pathogens of phytosanitary interest and, among them, grapevine viruses. In this framework, the "Working group ARNADIA-grapevine viruses (WG)", composed of eight universities and research bodies, three accredited private laboratories, one plant health service and one association of grapevine nurseries, was established.