Management of eutypa dieback and botryosphaeria canker in south-western Western Australian vineyards

Abstract

Eutypa dieback, a trunk disease of grapevines, reduces yields and causes a gradual decline and eventually death of grapevines. The disease is caused by the fungus, Eutypa lata and is found in cool climate wine regions throughout the world. Eutypa dieback is one of Australia's most important grapevinetrunk diseases.

Summary

The status of eutypa dieback in Western Australian vineyards has been unclear, although two unconfirmed reports suggested it was present in Swan Valley and Margaret River. To increase awareness about this disease and botryosphaeria canker in grapevines, a workshop was presented in three wine growing regions of WA (Swan Valley, Margaret River and Great Southern) in November, 2009. Forty-five growers and industry personnel attended the workshops which focused on identification and management of eutypa dieback and botryosphaeria canker. Mr Adrian Loschiavo (SARDI) presented information on the recognition and identification of eutypa dieback and was followed by Dr Mark Sosnowski (SARDI) who spoke about research on management of the disease. Visiting scientist, Dr Florent Trouillas from the University of California, Davis USA, presented information on grapevine trunk diseases from the laboratory of Prof Doug Gubler, focussing on his own PhD research. Mr Andrew Taylor (Dept of Agriculture and Forestry WA) presented information on the presence and distribution of botryosphaeria canker in WA and was followed by Dr Wayne Pitt (Charles Sturt University) who presented research from NSW on botryosphaeria canker, including management of the disease.