Co-Authors:
Sosnowski, M.R., South Australian Research and Development Institute, GPO Box 397, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
Shtienberg, D., Department of Plant Pathology, ARO, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel
Creaser, M.L., South Australian Research and Development Institute, GPO Box 397, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
Wicks, T.J., South Australian Research and Development Institute, GPO Box 397, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
Lardner, R., School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia, CSIRO Entomology, PMB 2, Glen Osmond, SA, 5064, Australia
Scott, E.S., School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia
Abstract:
Foliar symptoms of Eutypa dieback, caused by Eutypa lata, in grapevines, cv. Shiraz, varied from year to year in a 6-year study conducted in South Australia and, although trends were similar for vineyards within geographical regions, differences were observed between regions. We attempted to elucidate the causes underlying this variation and hypothesized that it was influenced by climatic factors. A number of possible relationships were identified between climate and symptom expression: (i) increased symptom expression was related to increased winter rainfall 18 months earlier, (ii) decreased disease incidence and prevalence were related to increased temperature in spring, and (iii) a reduction in disease incidence was related to both very high and very low rainfall in October. Theories for these relationships are proposed and require further investigation. A conceptual model was developed which requires validation and has the potential to predict the incidence of foliar symptoms of Eutypa dieback. Information from this study could lead to an improved integrated pest management system to suppress foliar symptoms and sustain productivity of vines infected with E. lata. © 2007 The American Phytopathological Society.