The control of esca: Status and perspectives

The development of an effective control strategy for esca greatly depends on major progress in understanding the disease biology and epidemiology. Experimental trials were carried out in vineyards and single infected vines in order to evaluate the effectiveness of different fungicides, application methods and cultural practices in controlling esca: experiences with sodium arsenite, dinitro-orthocresol, fosetyl Al, triazoles and first attempts with Trichoderma are discussed. Ongoing trials show promising results with fosetyl Al activity against Phaeoacremonium spp. under laboratory and greenhouse conditions, with the prospect of a favourable effect on esca control. Research is now being focused on the potential of a control strategy to prevent or reduce the establishment and development of the disease. The management of esca should be based on the age of the plant, the stage of the infection as well as the degree of spread of the disease.