Unlocking the secrets of seasonal variation in eutypa dieback symptoms

Abstract

In grapevines, foliar symptoms of eutypa dieback fluctuate from year to year, causing variation in crop yield and value. It is likely that environmental factors such as climate play a role in this phenomenon. Rainfall and temperature may influence symptom severity and the incidence of vines displaying foliar symptoms of eutypa dieback. Rainfall is also linked to the infection of pruning wounds and may affect concentration or movement of toxins throughout the vine through water uptake. Temperature affects vine vigour and may also affect the ability of the fungus to produce toxins. These relationships require further examination to confirm the causes of symptom variation. Information from such studies could then be incorporated into an integrated pest management system for the control of eutypa dieback in grapevines.