Grapevine trunk diseases: the relevance of disinfection of propagation material

Grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) are a major threat for viticulture, in all grape-growing countries. The main diseases affecting vineyards in Europe are the Esca complex: grapevine leaf stripe disease, black wood streaking, Petri disease and white rot. Cankers caused by Botryosphaeriaceae are also found with increasing frequency, associated with the death of grapevine cordons and spurs. Nursery production has a major role in producing plants strong enough to withstand aggressive wood pathogens, once they are planted in the field. At the same time, they must be as free as possible from pathogen infections at early life stages. Many years of trials have been carried out to evaluate strategies for reducing early nursery infections, comparing different new with established methods. Plant material infections by Phaeomoniella chlamydospora, Phaeoacremonium minimum, and species of Botryosphaeriaceae were assessed in either non-inoculated or artificially inoculated graftings, treated with different products. Promising results were obtained in the control/limitation of GTDs pathogen infections by treatment with innovative, low impact products (e.g. electrolysed water, ozone) and biological control methods. The benefits and relevance of superior quality planting stock are only realized when subsequent agricultural activities follow well-planned and balanced vineyard management practices.