Increase in Cladosporium spp. populations and rot of wine grapes associated with leaf removal

Abstract

Leaf removal reduces the epiphytic populations of several filamentous fungi found on grapevine ( Vitis vinifera). Consequently this practice is used to prevent foliar diseases of grapevines and rots of grapes. In this study, the effects of leaf removal on Cladosporium rot ( Cladosporium cladosporioides and Cladosporium herbarum), which often affects ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ in Chile, were characterized. The effects of leaf removal on epiphytic populations of Cladosporium spp. on grape berry surfaces and on Cladosporium rot development were investigated. Three leaf removal treatments were compared: (i) severe leaf removal, where leaves from two to three nodes above, opposite and from all nodes below clusters were removed; (ii) mild leaf removal, where leaves opposite each cluster were removed; and (iii) no leaf removal. Regardless of the leaf removal treatment, low population levels of Cladosporium spp. were detected early in the ontogenic development of grape berries which increased as the berries matured, reaching maximum populations on overripe berries. Based on our results, severe leaf removal favors the growth of Cladosporium spp. on grape berries and increases the prevalence of Cladosporium rot at harvest. This increase in Cladosporium spp. was correlated with an increase in lenticel damage in ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ and ‘Sauvignon blanc’ vines subjected to severe leaf removal. Considering that Cladosporium rot significantly reduces yield and wine quality, farmers should avoid continuous exposure of grape clusters to sunlight in order to prevent severe outbreaks of Cladosporium rot.