CONTROL OF GRAPEVINE DECLINE WITH THE USE OF DRAINS AND RIDGES

Remi Natalin Dambros,Milton Da Veiga,Marco Antonio Dalbó,Cristiano João Arioli

doi:10.1590/0100-29452016448

Abstract

ABSTRACT The incidence of grapevine decline and dye back is quite severe in grapevine-growing regions of southern Brazil, especially in the Midwest of Santa Catarina State. Field studies on problematic areas identified the presence of the Brazilian ground pearl or margarodes (Eurhizococcus brasiliensis Hempel) and soil fungi (Cylindrocarpon, Fusarium and others) associated with the disease. Soil characteristics such as high clay content and poor aeration were associated with the problem. To evaluate the effect of pre-planting tillage in reducing the incidence of grapevine decline, an experiment was carried out with two rootstocks and three pre-planting tillage (regular plowing, drains, and ridges) in an area where high plant mortality had been previously observed. Pre-planting tillage with the use of ridges along the rows gave the best results with a drastic reduction in the decline incidence. The number of ground pearl cysts was unaffected by pre-planting tillage and did not relate with the incidence of decline and death of plants.

Highlights

The incidence of decline and death of vine plants is one of the most serious problems of viticulture in Brazil, having been responsible for the elimination of many vineyards in the main producing regions (SCHUCK et al, 2001; BOTTON et al, 2000; GARRIDO et al, 2004a)
The decline and death of young plants have been reported in several countries and attributed mainly to the attack of fungi from the genus Cylindrocarpon (“black-foot”), Phaeoacremonium and Phaeomoniella (Petri disease) (HALEEN et al, 2006; GUBLER at al., 2004)
In the Vale do Rio do Peixe region, in the Midwest of the State of Santa Catarina, there is evidence that the physical conditions of the soil are related to the decline of the vine, but with the added difficulty that the presence of ground pearl apparently enhances the action of pathogenic fungi because of damage caused in the roots (DALBÓ et al, 2012)

Summary

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of decline and death of vine plants is one of the most serious problems of viticulture in Brazil, having been responsible for the elimination of many vineyards in the main producing regions (SCHUCK et al, 2001; BOTTON et al, 2000; GARRIDO et al, 2004a). In the Vale do Rio do Peixe region, in the Midwest of the State of Santa Catarina, there is evidence that the physical conditions of the soil are related to the decline of the vine, but with the added difficulty that the presence of ground pearl apparently enhances the action of pathogenic fungi because of damage caused in the roots (DALBÓ et al, 2012) In this region, the smooth plain soils with higher clay content (Oxisols) are showing higher rates of mortality, whereas in gravelly soils (Cambisols), with better natural drainage, problems are generally smaller. Another measure that has proved effective is preparing the ground for preplanting with the use of trenches or drains, which improves the conditions of drainage and soil aeration (DALBÓ et al, 2007) These three alternatives were studied at different locations in the Vale do Rio do Peixe, SC, and all of them had some effect in reducing the incidence of vine decline. This study was conducted to assess the effect of making drains and/or ridges on the development and incidence of decline in two vine rootstocks in areas where high incidence of plant mortality had been previously observed

MATERIAL AND METHODS

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

CONCLUSIONS