Grapevine leaf stripe disease

Grapevine leaf stripe disease is a serious fungal infection caused by the pathogen Phaeoacremonium aleophilum. This fungus is a primary agent involved in the Esca complex, which severely impacts the woody tissues of vines and leads to gradual or rapid decline of the entire plant.

The disease specifically targets Vitis vinifera (grapevine). The pathogen colonizes the vascular system and the woody interior of the trunk and cordons, disrupting the plant's ability to transport water and minerals, which manifests as structural damage to the xylem tissues.

The visual symptoms appear on leaves as distinct chlorotic or necrotic stripes located between the leaf veins. As the disease progresses, these areas dry out, giving the leaves a scorched appearance. Infected vines often exhibit stunted shoot growth and, in acute cases, can experience sudden vine apoplexy, leading to immediate death.

The spread of the disease is facilitated by environmental conditions and human activities. Fungal spores enter the vine primarily through pruning wounds or other mechanical injuries. Warm temperatures and high humidity promote spore dispersal and infection, making the period following winter or summer pruning particularly critical for vine health.

Control strategies must be preventative, as there are no effective chemical cures for established infections in the wood. Essential practices include disinfecting pruning tools after each cut, applying wound sealants to prevent fungal entry, and removing and destroying symptomatic vines to stop the spread of spores to healthy neighboring plants.