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Department of Agriculture

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  5. Identify priority plant pests and diseases
  6. Grapevine leaf rust

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Grapevine leaf rust

PLANT PEST

A large, green leaf with small brown spots on a grey background.
Grapevine leaf rust causes dark spotting on the top surface of leaves.
Credit: Andrew M. Daly DPIFM, PaDIL

Grapevine leaf rust

Exotic to Australia

Features: Fungal disease of grape causing dark spots on the upper
surface of leaves.
Where it's from: Asia, North America, South America,
Timor-Leste, the Russian Federation.
How it spreads: Importation of infected vines or plant material
including leaves; local spread over long distances through trade
of infected plants or by spores blown in the wind; transported on
clothing, equipment and personal items.

Report it

Keep it out

Grapevine leaf rust is caused by the fungus Phakopsora euvitis and mainly occurs in warm temperate and subtropical grape growing regions. Grapevine leaf rust only infects grapes, usually affecting leaves but can also damage fruit and stems, resulting in damage to grape crops.

The rust spreads easily, with spores carried on the wind, or on equipment and clothing. Heavy infestations are common, particularly in warmer temperatures, often ruining the crop. Damage continues into the next season with fewer fruit formed.

The fungus was found in the Northern Territory in 2001 but it was eradicated by 2007.

It is crucial that the fungus is not re-introduced into Australia, where it could spread throughout our highly valued and valuable grape growing regions.

Importing goods

To keep grapevine leaf rust out of Australia, never ignore Australia’s strict biosecurity rules.

Import shipments may need to be treated and certified, so before you import, check our Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON).

Growers

  • Only source high health status (preferably certified) plant material from reliable and accredited suppliers.

What to look for

Grapevine leaf rust is the only known rust on grapes. Look for:

  • grapevines that are not looking healthy, or have poor yield
  • small dark, angular spotting on the upper surface of grapevine leaves
  • orange or yellow spots on the underside of leaves.
The underside of a large, green leaf with small yellow spots.
Infected grapevines show yellow pustules on the underside of leaves. Andrew M. Daly, DPIFM, PaDIL.

Importation of infested vines, leaves, or other plant material is the most likely way that grapevine leaf rust could make it to Australia.

Growers and home gardeners

Look for wilting and leaf symptoms—dark spots on the top, yellow spots underneath.

Grapevine leaf rust is the only rust disease that affects grapevines.

What to do

If you think you’ve found grapevine leaf rust:

  • take a photo
  • do not disturb infected plants (this may be as simple as closing the doors on a shipping container or preventing access to part of the vineyard).

Report it

Seen something unusual? Report it. Even if you’re not sure.

Report it without delay

Read the detail

  • Plant Health Australia: grapevine leaf rust fact sheet
  • NSW Department of Primary Industries: grapevine leaf rust
  • Establish good vineyard biosecurity measures to protect your property. Everything you need to know is available from Farm Biosecurity

General enquiries

Call 1800 900 090

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Report a biosecurity concern

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Page last updated: 28 March 2025

We acknowledge the continuous connection of First Nations Traditional Owners and Custodians to the lands, seas and waters of Australia. We recognise their care for and cultivation of Country. We pay respect to Elders past and present, and recognise their knowledge and contribution to the productivity, innovation and sustainability of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries.

Artwork: Protecting our Country, Growing our Future
© Amy Allerton, contemporary Aboriginal Artist of the Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung and Gamilaroi nations.

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