SOME $600 MILLION REQUIRED TO FIGHT GRAPE PHYLLOXERA

ARKA
Nov 16, 2009

YEREVAN, November 16, /ARKA/. Avag Harutyunian, chairman of the Union
of Armenian Winemakers, said today some $600 million are required to
fight grape phylloxera.

Phylloxera is a pest of commercial grapevines worldwide, originally
native to eastern North America. These almost microscopic, pale yellow
sap-sucking insects feed on the roots and leaves of grapevines.

Studies have shown that vineyards infested with phylloxera can lose 20
per cent of production in only the first year of infestation. Vines
generally become uneconomic within 3 to 10 years of infestation. The
spread of phylloxera and the rate of destruction varies depending on
factors including soil condition, the age of the vine and how much
the vine has been stressed.

According to Avag Harutyunian, the $600 million need to be added by
hard work that may last 5-6 years.’ He warned that otherwise Armenia
would risk losing its vineyards.