Grapevine berry inner necrosis virus (GINV)
Grapevine berry inner necrosis virus (GINV) is a virus that affects grapevines. It harms the plant’s growth and can cause problems with both the leaves and the fruit.
GINV only infects grapevines. This includes wine grapes, table grapes and rootstocks.
In Australia, GINV has only been detected in table grape varieties although it can spread to wine and dried fruit varieties as well.
Background
Grapevine berry inner necrosis virus (Trichovirus necroacini), or GINV, is a virus that affects grapevines.
The virus was first recognised in Japan in the 1980s and has since been reported in other grape-growing regions, particularly in parts of Asia.
GINV was first identified in Australia in October 2025 in several grapevines and rootstocks of table grape varieties, across the eastern seaboard. In 2026 GINV was detected in table grapes in South Australia.
The virus spreads primarily through infected propagation material, including cuttings, grafts and rootstocks. It can also be spread by the Erineum mite (Colomerus vitis) also known as the grape leaf blister mite or grape leaf bud mite.
There are no domestic or international trade restrictions currently in place because of this detection.
Impacts
GINV only infects grapevines. This includes wine grapes, table grapes and rootstocks. Although scientists have tested it on other plants in the lab, grapevines remain the only plants it naturally affects in real vineyard conditions.
In Australia, GINV has only been detected in table grape varieties although it does have the potential to spread to wine and dried fruit varieties.
Reported impacts include:
- reduced vine vigour
- shortened internodes
- smaller berries
- internal berry necrosis (dead tissue) and discolouration
- altered sugar and acid balance in fruit.
Prevention and management
Good vineyard hygiene and biosecurity practices are key to avoiding impacts of the disease.
To reduce the risk of introduction and spread:
- avoid sharing cuttings or propagation material with unknown health status
- source certified virus-tested planting material from reputable suppliers
- maintain records of vine and propagation material sources
- monitor vineyards regularly for unusual symptoms
- implement mite management where appropriate.
Learn more about practical biosecurity measures and download the free Vineyard Biosecurity Manual at farm biosecurity.
Access biosecurity fact sheets and resources from Vinehealth Australia
Read the Plant Health Australia GINV Fact Sheet
Identification
Laboratory testing is needed to confirm GINV.
Looking at the vine with the naked eye is not enough to confirm the virus as symptoms are similar to other grapevine viruses or non‑viral problems such as nutrient shortages, herbicide exposure or environmental stress.
Symptoms of GINV can vary depending on grape variety and environmental conditions, but may include:
- mottling or chlorotic (yellow) patterns and ring spots or irregular discolouration on leaves
- internal browning or necrosis of berries
- uneven ripening or discolouration in fruits
- reduced growth and vigour in vines.
If you are unsure about a vine’s health:
- compare it with a healthy vine of the same variety
- watch for unusual or uneven growth across the block
- look out for poor fruit development or lower vigour.
Checking for mites may also be helpful, as these pests sometimes appear alongside stressed vines.
Contact
If you are concerned about your vines, testing for the virus can be undertaken by:
Agriculture Victoria
Phone: 03 9032 7515
Email: chs.reception@agriculture.vic.gov.au