Peroneutypa scoparia

Peroneutypa scoparia is a significant fungal pathogen known to cause wood decay and necrosis in woody plants. As part of the fungal complex associated with grapevine trunk diseases, it acts as a silent destroyer, gradually colonizing the xylem and phloem tissues of the vine, which eventually leads to the decline of the entire plant.

Grapevines are the primary host for this pathogen. The fungus typically enters the plant through physical wounds, such as pruning cuts, frost cracks, or mechanical damage caused by vineyard equipment. Once inside, the fungus spreads slowly through the permanent structure of the vine, colonizing the wood and disrupting the plant's vascular system.

The visible symptoms include systemic decline, stunted growth, and the development of internal wood lesions. Upon cutting into the vine's cordon or trunk, one can observe dark, necrotic discoloration of the wood tissues. Externally, the infected vines show signs of chlorosis, leaf scorching, and a failure to thrive, which are often indicative of advanced internal damage.

Environmental factors play a crucial role in the development of the disease. Warm temperatures and high humidity levels create optimal conditions for the production and release of fungal spores. Rain splashes and wind currents serve as the main vectors, distributing spores onto freshly exposed wounds, making the period following pruning the most dangerous time for new infections.

Management strategies for Peroneutypa scoparia focus heavily on preventative horticultural practices rather than chemical treatments. Since there is no curative fungicide, growers should focus on:

• Scheduling pruning during dry weather to reduce infection risk.
• Applying wound protection sealants immediately after pruning.
• Regularly disinfecting pruning tools to prevent cross-contamination.
• Rogueing and destroying heavily infected vines to reduce the overall inoculum load in the vineyard.