Berry phomopsis

The causative agent of the disease is the fungus Diaporthe baccae, an ascomycete responsible for significant fruit infections. It acts as a parasitic pathogen, attacking the structural tissues of plants and disrupting their physiological processes, ultimately leading to tissue necrosis and the breakdown of berry integrity.

This disease primarily affects grapevine varieties and other berry-bearing plants. Its impact is significant in agricultural production, as it not only compromises the quality of individual berries but also poses a threat to the overall health of the vines by facilitating the spread of inoculum within the field or vineyard.

Symptoms typically present as dark, sunken lesions on the berry skin. As the infection progresses, these lesions expand, and tiny, black, pimple-like structures known as pycnidia emerge from the decayed tissue. Under humid conditions, these berries may become completely mummified or develop a soft rot, rendering the harvest unmarketable.

Environmental factors such as high humidity, frequent rainfall, and moderate temperatures are ideal for the development and dissemination of Diaporthe baccae. Spores are primarily dispersed through splashing water, wind, and movement of equipment, allowing the pathogen to spread rapidly during the maturation phase of the fruit.

Effective management requires an integrated approach to minimize disease pressure:

• Implementation of strict sanitation practices by removing infected berries and shoots.
• Application of preventative fungicide programs targeting susceptible growth stages.
• Improving canopy aeration through appropriate pruning and trellis management.
• Effective weed control to reduce relative humidity around the base of the plants.