Abstract
The genus Lasiodiplodia has been reported from several grape growing regions and is considered as one of the fastest wood colonizers, causing Botryosphaeria dieback. The aim of this study was to (i) evaluate the efficacy of Esquive®, a biocontrol agent, on vineyard pruning wound protection, applied single or, in a combined protection strategy with a new site-targeted copper-based treatment (LC2017), and (ii) compare their efficacy with chemical protection provided by the commercially available product, Tessior®. For two seasons, protectants were applied onto pruning wounds, while LC2017 was applied throughout the season according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pruning wounds of two different cultivars were inoculated with three isolates of Lasiodiplodia spp. Efficacy of the wound protectants, varied between both years of the assay and according to the cultivar studied but were able to control the pathogen to some extent. The application of LC2017 did not show clear evidence of improving the control obtained by the sole application of the other products tested. Nevertheless, LC2017 showed a fungistatic effect against Lasiodiplodia spp., in vitro, and has previously shown an elicitor effect against grapevine trunk diseases. Therefore, this combination of two protection strategies may constitute a promising long-term approach to mitigate the impact of Botryosphaeria dieback.
Highlights
Botryosphaeria dieback is currently among the most significant grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) in all the grape-growing regions of the world [1]
The present study reports the first field assessment on the efficacy of using management strategies, integrating biological and chemical pruning wound protectants with a copper-based site-targeted formulation, against Botryosphaeria dieback pathogens
Higher demand for more sustainable management practices and increasing restrictions on pesticide use has led to an expansion of integrated pest management (IPM) programs, involving organic products, biocontrol agents (BCAs), improved cultural practices, and responsible pesticide use [2,26]
Summary
Botryosphaeria dieback is currently among the most significant grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) in all the grape-growing regions of the world [1] It represents one of the major threats to sustainable and economically viable viticulture due to the reduction in yield, increased crop management costs, and shortened life span of vines and vineyards [1,2,3]. The field efficacy of chemical wound protectants against botryosphaeriaceous fungi has been demonstrated in several grape-growing regions of the world, namely Australia [34], Chile [35], New Zealand [36,37], Portugal [38], South Africa [39,40], Spain [41], and the USA [42] Another method considered to be the most effective strategy for controlling infection by GTD pathogens is the application of pastes and paints amended, or not, with fungicides. An integrated pest management (IPM) strategy has been recommended including cultural practices, organic products, BCAs, responsible use of chemical fungicides, and control management that may combine both chemical and biological products [28,33]
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