Fuchs, associate professor in the Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe BiologySection of the School of Integrative Plant Science, studies the biology and ecology of viruses that directly impact the economic viability of New York grapes. He received the Research Award March 3 in Rochester during Cornell Cooperative Extension’s three-day B.E.V. NY symposium.
The presence of viruses in vineyards across New York is a key threat to the state’s burgeoning wine industry. Fuchs’ research focuses on understanding the spread of viruses, developing reliable detection techniques and contributing effective management strategies.
“Through my research, we are exploring the genetic variability of virus populations and interactions between viruses, vectors, and plant hosts,” Fuchs said. “These activities result in a better understanding of virus infection and the development of innovative approaches to protect crops against virus diseases.”
In bestowing the research award, the New York Wine & Grape Foundation credited Fuchs for his contributions to the state’s grape and wine industry through research and education. The foundation is a statewide, not-for-profit trade association representing grape growers, grape juice manufacturers and wineries. Part of its mandate is to stimulate coordination and cooperation among all segments of the industry in all regions, according to the foundation. Its overall goal is “to have the New York grape and wine industry recognized as a world leader in quality, productivity, and social responsibility.”
Fuchs was specifically credited for research into the pervasive vineyard diseases leafroll and red blotch. Leafroll disease attacks the grapevine and is present in every major grape-growing region in the world. The disease causes significant yield losses and delays fruit ripening. In New York, diseased Cabernet franc grapes can result in 50 percent reductions in yields and degraded fruit quality, according to Fuchs.
Red blotch virus was first discovered in New York in 2011 and has since been found in all grape growing regions of the U.S. and Canada. Infected grapevines exhibit red blotches or chlorotic areas on the leaves. The disease can delay ripening and alter juice chemistry, ultimately impacting the taste of Cabernet franc, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
Fuchs, associate professor in the Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section of the School of Integrative Plant Science, studies the biology and ecology of viruses that directly impact the economic viability of New York grapes. He received the 2016 Research Award from the New York Wine & Grape Foundation on March 3 in Rochester during Cornell Cooperative Extension’s three-day B.E.V. NY symposium.
