Seasonal periodicity of the airborne spores of fungi causing grapevine trunk diseases: an analysis of 247 studies published worldwide

Abstract

Grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) are among the most devastating grapevine diseases globally. GTDs are caused by multiple fungi from various taxa, which release spores into the vineyard and infect wood tissue, mainly through wounds caused by viticultural operations. The timing of operations to avoid infection is critical concerning the periodicity of GTD spores in vineyards, and many studies have been conducted in different grape-growing areas worldwide. However, these studies provide conflicting and fragmented information. To synthesize current knowledge, we performed a systematic literature review, extracted quantitative data from published papers, and used these data to identify trends and knowledge gaps to be addressed in future studies. Our database included 26 papers covering 247 studies and 3,529 spore sampling records concerning a total of 29 fungal taxa responsible for Botryosphaeria dieback (BD), Esca complex (EC), and Eutypa dieback (ED). We found a clear seasonality in the presence and abundance of BD spores, with a peak from fall to spring, more in the northern than in the southern hemisphere, but not for EC and ED. Spores of these fungi were present throughout the growing season in both hemispheres, possibly due to higher variability in spore types, sporulation conditions, and spore release mechanisms in EC and ED fungi compared to BD. Our analysis has limitations due to knowledge gaps and data availability for some fungi (e.g., Basidiomycetes, causing EC). These limitations are discussed to facilitate further research.