One of the world’s most important cultivated plants, the grapevine was domesticated from the wild vine over 11,000 years ago. The fungi associated with it are likely as old as the plant itself. Despite their co-evolution with the vine over the centuries, it was only with the invention of the microscope in the seventeenth century that precise descriptions of fungi began to become available.The arrival in Europe of powdery and downy mildew in the second half of the nineteenth century brought about a complete change in vine cultivation practices worldwide, as systematic protection from both of these fungi was required through out their growing cycle. Over 150 years after their introduction, they are still the focus of scientific research and in-depth techniques. Around 20 other fungal dis eases, including black rot, are present in grapevine, making plant protection an essential and highly complex endeavour. Olivier Viret and Katia Gindro’s work illustrates in an exemplary manner the scientific knowledge acquired over the course of history on fungi themselves and on their multiple interactions with the plant and its environment. The initial focus of the research lies in the biology and epidemiology of fungi, as well as the identification of symptoms and effective means of protection. Thereafter, it is extended to the complete study of the pathogen-host plant system, which forms a bioecological unit now referred to as the holobiont. An entire, richly illustrated chapter of this book is devoted to the vine itself - its development, phenology and the structure and anatomy of its various organs, from root to berry via the trunk, shoots, buds, leaves and inflorescences. The breeding of fungal disease-resistant varieties is dealt with in detail, based particularly on the authors’ scientific work on vine defence mechanisms and selection using biochemical and genetic markers. The recent creation of high-quality varieties obtained through natural crossing and equipped with a number of resistance genes points to revolutionary prospects for protecting grapevine against the main fungal diseases. The study of the vine’s microbiota is comprehensively described by the authors in their work. They show that the number of fungal species associated with vine diseases is on the increase, and that, among the totality of microorganisms living onthe vine and in the soil, certain ones are likely to boost the resistance of the plant to diseases and stress. The role of fungal endophytes, their biodiversity, interactions with plants, way of life and possible evolutionary pathways are analysed objectively on the basis of the most recent scientific findings. Three main chapters, sumptuously illustrated, describe the quasi-totality of cryptogamic diseases of the vine, starting with those developing on the green parts of the plant. The symptoms, biology, life cycles, modes of infection, forecasting methods and protection strategies are dealt with in detail, particularly for the four most important diseases, i.e. downy mildew, powdery mildew, grey mould and black rot. The other types of rot, anthracnose, red fire disease and the toxins present on the harvest are also addressed. Wood diseases such as esca, black dead arm, Eutypa dieback, black spot disease and black foot are on the rise in vineyards, and the authors give an account of the latest knowledge on this important issue. Lastly, the diseases that attack the roots such as honey fungus and root rot caused by Dematophora, Roesleria or Phytophthora conclude the chapters dedicated to the different fungal diseases of the vine. Grafting and the production of grapevine plants can be sources of infection by fungi. The different graft and rootstock assembly techniques and the risks of contamination at the different stages of multiplying the young plants are analysed in addition to the mycobiome present in nursery plants and disinfection techniques. The final chapter of this book tackles the issue of methods of protection against fungal diseases of grapevine. The background to the introduction of fungicides, the production of synthetic organic fungicides and the regular appearance of pathogen fungicide resistance phenomena are addressed by the authors, as are the alternatives to plant-protection products emerging from combinatorial chemistry and the use of antagonistic microorganisms and elicitors. Integrated, organic and biodynamic protection strategies are presented. An important success factor is the proper management of protection against diseases through the implementation of prophylactic measures, suitable choice and dosage of active substances and the fine-tuning of spraying equipment. In conclusion, The Science of Fungi in Grapevine, written and coordinated by the scientists Olivier Viret and Katia Gindro, is a remarkable reference work on the fungal diseases of grapevine. Based on the latest scientific findings, it takes a holistic approach to the subject of the protection of grapevine from fungi by placing pathogen–vine interactions squarely at the centre of its reflections and analyses. Aimed both at researchers, educators, students and technicians as well as those working in the wine industry, it is written to be accessible to both scientists and practitioners alike. The rich illustrative material allows for easy comprehension of the different subjects addressed.
Viret O., Gindro K.
Science of fungi in grapevine.
Springer, Cham. 2025, 466 pp.
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ISBN: 978-3-031-68663-4
Digital Object Identifier (DOI): https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-68663-4
Publication-ID (Web Code): 57724
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