Flavescence Dorée Detected at Three German Vineyards Sparks Fears of Rapid Spread and Economic Loss

A new grapevine disease has been detected in southern Germany, raising concerns among wine producers and agricultural experts about its potential for rapid spread and economic damage. The disease, known as Flavescence dorée or “golden yellowing,” was confirmed at three sites in Baden-Württemberg by the State Viticulture Institute in Freiburg, according to a statement from the Agricultural Technology Center Augustenberg (LTZ) in Karlsruhe.

Flavescence dorée is caused by a phytoplasma, a bacteria-like organism, and is transmitted by the American grapevine leafhopper (Scaphoideus titanus). This insect was identified for the first time in Germany in 2024, specifically in the Markgräflerland region of Baden-Württemberg. Experts warn that the presence of both the pathogen and its vector in the same area creates a high risk for the disease to spread quickly among local vineyards.

The symptoms of Flavescence dorée vary depending on the grape variety but typically include yellowing or premature reddening of leaves, which then curl inward. Affected grapes may shrivel and develop a bitter taste, rendering infected vines unsuitable for wine production. Over time, infested vines can die prematurely. The LTZ, which specializes in crop science for arable and fruit crops in Baden-Württemberg, emphasized that this disease poses a significant threat to viticulture.

Countries such as France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, and Hungary have already experienced damage to their wine industries due to this disease. The European Union has classified the pathogen as a quarantine pest because of its high economic impact. Quarantine pests are organisms that are not yet widespread or present in an area and are subject to official monitoring and control measures.

According to the Julius Kühn Institute, Germany’s federal research center for cultivated plants, there were only two previous cases of Flavescence dorée detected in Germany—in 2014 and 2020—each limited to a single plant. At those times, however, the American grapevine leafhopper had not been found in Germany. As recently as this past summer, official sources stated that Flavescence dorée was not present in Germany.

The current outbreak affects specific vineyard areas in the districts of Lörrach, Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald, and Ortenaukreis in southern Baden. To prevent further spread, authorities require immediate removal of infected vines and targeted use of insecticides against the American grapevine leafhopper. René Fuchs from the State Viticulture Institute Freiburg explained that these measures will be regulated by an official ordinance.

The American grapevine leafhopper is described by experts as easy to identify due to its distinctive features: it measures five to six millimeters long and has black-tipped wings with black veins and an orange-and-white striped head. It is believed that the insect entered Germany via highway traffic or freight trains.

Winegrowers and agricultural officials are now on alert as they work to contain this new threat to one of Germany’s most important agricultural sectors.