| Picture | Title | Caption | Copyright |
|---|---|---|---|
| Symptoms | Young, translucent oilspots with brown margins. | Megan M. Kennelly | |
| Symptoms | Multiple oilspots can coalesce and cover much of the leaf surface. | Megan M. Kennelly | |
| Symptoms | Oilspots become dry and necrotic in the centre, with a yellow margin which retains the ability to sporulate. | Megan M. Kennelly | |
| Symptoms | Oilspots eventually become almost completely necrotic. | Megan M. Kennelly | |
| Symptoms | On older leaves oilspots are restricted by veins and form yellow-to-brown small, angular spots in a patchwork pattern. | Megan M. Kennelly | |
| Symptoms | After a warm, humid night sporangiophores and sporangia appear as a bright white, fluffy growth on the undersides of leaves. | Megan M. Kennelly | |
| Symptoms | Plasmopara viticola (grapevine downy mildew); Underside of grapevine leaf prior to incubation in a dark polythene bag overnight to encourage sporulation. Surrey, England. September 2020. | ©Dr Philip Taylor (CABI) | |
| Symptoms | Plasmopara viticola (grapevine downy mildew); Underside of grapevine leaf after incubation in a dark polythene bag overnight resulting in sporulation, the sporangiophores and sporangia appear as a white fluffly growth. Surrey, England. September 2020. | ©Dr Philip Taylor (CABI) | |
| Symptoms | Plasmopara viticola (grapevine downy mildew); Underside of grapevine leaf prior to incubation in a dark polythene bag overnight to encourage sporulation. Surrey, England. September 2020. | ©Dr Philip Taylor (CABI) | |
| Symptoms | Plasmopara viticola (grapevine downy mildew); Underside of grapevine leaf after incubation in a dark polythene bag overnight resulting in sporulation, the sporangiophores and sporangia appear as a white fluffly growth. Surrey, England. September 2020. | ©Dr Philip Taylor (CABI) | |
| Symptoms | Plasmopara viticola (grapevine downy mildew); Oilspots on the upper surface of a grapevine leaf. Surrey, England. September 2020. | ©Dr Philip Taylor (CABI) | |
| Symptoms | Downy mildew symptoms on grapevine leaf. | Thorsten Kraska, University of Bonn, Germany | |
| Symptoms | P. viticola leaf sporulation symptoms (downy mildew) on grapevine leaf. | Thorsten Kraska, University of Bonn, Germany | |
| Symptoms | Infected inflorescences and young fruit become covered with white, fluffy spores. | Megan M. Kennelly | |
| Symptoms | Close-up of infected young berry with sporulation on berry surface and pedicel. | Megan M. Kennelly | |
| Symptoms | Berries infected after 2-3 weeks postbloom become discoloured and shrivel, but do not support sporulation. | Megan M. Kennelly | |
| Symptoms | Infected areas usually turn brown, dry out, and fall off of the cluster | Megan M. Kennelly | |
| Symptoms | Young inflorescences may distort or curl (arrowed) - note healthy inflorescence behind. | Megan M. Kennelly | |
| Symptoms | (1) Sporangium detached from sporangiophore; (2) A sporangium which has released its zoospores; (3) Encysted zoospore beginning to germinate. | Megan M. Kennelly |
Datasheet
Plasmopara viticola (grapevine downy mildew)
Index
- Pictures
- Identity
- Taxonomic Tree
- Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Description
- Distribution
- Distribution Table
- Hosts/Species Affected
- Host Plants and Other Plants Affected
- Growth Stages
- Symptoms
- List of Symptoms/Signs
- Biology and Ecology
- Means of Movement and Dispersal
- Plant Trade
- Impact
- Diagnosis
- Detection and Inspection
- Similarities to Other Species/Conditions
- Prevention and Control
- References
- Distribution Maps
Don't need the entire report?
Generate a print friendly version containing only the sections you need.
Generate reportPictures
Top of pageIdentity
Top of pagePreferred Scientific Name
- Plasmopara viticola (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) Berl. & de Toni
Preferred Common Name
- grapevine downy mildew
Other Scientific Names
- Botrytis viticola Berk. & M.A. Curtis
- Peronospora viticola (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) de Bary
- Plasmopara amurensis Prots.
- Rhysotheca viticola (Berkeley & Curtis) G.W. Wilson
International Common Names
- English: brown rot; downy mildew of grapevine; grey rot
- Spanish: mildiu de la vid; mildiu velloso de la vid
- French: mildiou de la grappe; mildiou de la vigne; rot-brun de la vigne; rot-gris de la vigne
Local Common Names
- Germany: Falscher Mehltau: Weinrebe; Lederbeerenkrankheit: Weinrebe; Peronospora: Weinrebe
- Italy: Peronospora della vite
EPPO code
- PLASVI (Plasmopara viticola)
Taxonomic Tree
Top of page- Domain: Eukaryota
- Kingdom: Chromista
- Phylum: Oomycota
- Class: Oomycetes
- Order: Peronosporales
- Family: Peronosporaceae
- Genus: Plasmopara
- Species: Plasmopara viticola
Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature
Top of page
As reviewed by Viala (1893) and Gregory (1915), P. viticola was first collected and studied in 1834 by Schweinitz, who named it Botrytis caca (Schweinitz, 1837). Berkeley and Curtis (1848) later described the organism as Botrytis viticola. De Bary (1863) transferred the pathogen to a new genus and described it as Peronospora viticola. Berlese and de Toni (1888) redescribed the pathogen as Plasmopara viticola after Schröter (1886) separated Peronospora into two genera, Peronospora and Plasmopara.
According to Grunzel (1960) and Rafaila et al. (1968), several authors (Procenko, 1946; Savulescu and Savulescu, 1952; Golovina, 1955) have suggested distinguishing different varieties and special forms of P. viticola based on morphology or host range. Grunzel (1960) and Rafaila et al. (1968) concluded there was no evidence for such divisions.
According to Grunzel (1960) and Rafaila et al. (1968), several authors (Procenko, 1946; Savulescu and Savulescu, 1952; Golovina, 1955) have suggested distinguishing different varieties and special forms of P. viticola based on morphology or host range. Grunzel (1960) and Rafaila et al. (1968) concluded there was no evidence for such divisions.
Description
Top of page
After Hall (1989).
Mycelium composed of intercellular, colourless, aseptate hyphae 7-12 µm diameter, often irregularly shaped and swollen, bearing small, rounded vesicular haustoria, 4-10 µm diameter, formed predominantly in leaf tissues.
Sporangiophores hypophyllous, arborescent, 130-250(-700) x 11-14 µm, branching monopodially in the upper third at right angles to the main axis, and with a base tapering to a conical point; branches in a whorl of 4-5, 35-45 µm long, often with two opposite secondary branches 15-20 µm long, all having 3-4 conical tips 10 µm long 6 µm wide at base, diverging at right angles and tapering to a terminal swelling.
Sporangia ovoid, colourless, (17-)20(-25) x (10-)14(-16) µm, sometimes with a short pedicel, each producing 1-6 zoospores.
Zoospores reniform, laterally biflagellate, 6-8 x 4-5 µm, emerging from opposite the insertion point of the sporangium, via a papilla, or by direct penetration of the sporangium wall.
Oospores formed in leaf tissues, spherical, 28-40 µm diameter, containing 14-16 chromosomes, covered by two inner oospore membranes and an outer wrinkled oospore wall, germinating via a tube, 2-3 µm diameter, to give a pyriform sporangium, ca 25 x 35-40 µm, producing 8-20 zoospores.
Mycelium composed of intercellular, colourless, aseptate hyphae 7-12 µm diameter, often irregularly shaped and swollen, bearing small, rounded vesicular haustoria, 4-10 µm diameter, formed predominantly in leaf tissues.
Sporangiophores hypophyllous, arborescent, 130-250(-700) x 11-14 µm, branching monopodially in the upper third at right angles to the main axis, and with a base tapering to a conical point; branches in a whorl of 4-5, 35-45 µm long, often with two opposite secondary branches 15-20 µm long, all having 3-4 conical tips 10 µm long 6 µm wide at base, diverging at right angles and tapering to a terminal swelling.
Sporangia ovoid, colourless, (17-)20(-25) x (10-)14(-16) µm, sometimes with a short pedicel, each producing 1-6 zoospores.
Zoospores reniform, laterally biflagellate, 6-8 x 4-5 µm, emerging from opposite the insertion point of the sporangium, via a papilla, or by direct penetration of the sporangium wall.
Oospores formed in leaf tissues, spherical, 28-40 µm diameter, containing 14-16 chromosomes, covered by two inner oospore membranes and an outer wrinkled oospore wall, germinating via a tube, 2-3 µm diameter, to give a pyriform sporangium, ca 25 x 35-40 µm, producing 8-20 zoospores.
Distribution
Top of page
P. viticola is native to the north-eastern USA. From the USA, P. viticola spread to Europe and worldwide. Today, P. viticola occurs in nearly all grape-growing regions worldwide. A few exceptionally dry grape-growing climates exist which support only minimal levels of the pathogen, such as parts of Argentina, Chile, California and Egypt (Weltzien, 1981; Lafon and Clerjeau, 1988; Emmett et al., 1992).
Distribution Table
Top of pageThe distribution in this summary table is based on all the information available. When several references are cited, they may give conflicting information on the status. Further details may be available for individual references in the Distribution Table Details section which can be selected by going to Generate Report.
Last updated: 25 Feb 2021| Continent/Country/Region | Distribution | Last Reported | Origin | First Reported | Invasive | Reference | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Africa |
|||||||
| Algeria | Present | ||||||
| Angola | Present | ||||||
| Congo, Democratic Republic of the | Present | ||||||
| Egypt | Present | ||||||
| Ethiopia | Present | ||||||
| Ghana | Present | ||||||
| Libya | Present | ||||||
| Madagascar | Present | ||||||
| Mauritius | Present | ||||||
| Morocco | Present | ||||||
| Mozambique | Present | ||||||
| Nigeria | Present | ||||||
| Sierra Leone | Present | ||||||
| Somalia | Present | ||||||
| South Africa | Present | ||||||
| Tanzania | Present | ||||||
| Tunisia | Present | ||||||
| Uganda | Present | ||||||
| Zambia | Present | ||||||
| Zimbabwe | Present | ||||||
Asia |
|||||||
| Azerbaijan | Present | ||||||
| Cambodia | Present | ||||||
| China | Present | ||||||
| -Liaoning | Present | ||||||
| -Ningxia | Present | ||||||
| -Xinjiang | Present | ||||||
| India | Present | ||||||
| -Jammu and Kashmir | Present | ||||||
| -Karnataka | Present | ||||||
| -Maharashtra | Present | ||||||
| -Tamil Nadu | Present | ||||||
| -Uttar Pradesh | Present | ||||||
| Indonesia | Present | ||||||
| Iran | Present | ||||||
| Israel | Present | ||||||
| Japan | Present | ||||||
| Jordan | Present | ||||||
| Kazakhstan | Present | ||||||
| Laos | Present | ||||||
| Lebanon | Present | ||||||
| Malaysia | Present | ||||||
| Myanmar | Present | ||||||
| Pakistan | Present | ||||||
| Philippines | Present | ||||||
| Saudi Arabia | Present | ||||||
| South Korea | Present | ||||||
| Sri Lanka | Present | ||||||
| Syria | Present | ||||||
| Taiwan | Present | ||||||
| Thailand | Present | ||||||
| Turkey | Present | ||||||
| Vietnam | Present | ||||||
| Yemen | Present | ||||||
Europe |
|||||||
| Austria | Present | ||||||
| Bulgaria | Present | ||||||
| Croatia | Present | ||||||
| Cyprus | Present | ||||||
| Czechia | Present | ||||||
| Czechoslovakia | Present | ||||||
| Union of Soviet Socialist Republics | Present | ||||||
| Denmark | Present | ||||||
| France | Present | ||||||
| Germany | Present | ||||||
| Greece | Present | ||||||
| Hungary | Present | ||||||
| Italy | Present | ||||||
| -Sardinia | Present | ||||||
| Malta | Present | ||||||
| Moldova | Present | ||||||
| Montenegro | Present | ||||||
| Netherlands | Present | ||||||
| North Macedonia | Present | ||||||
| Norway | Present | ||||||
| Poland | Present | ||||||
| Portugal | Present | ||||||
| -Azores | Present | ||||||
| -Madeira | Present | ||||||
| Romania | Present | ||||||
| Russia | Present | Present based on regional distribution. | |||||
| -Russian Far East | Present | ||||||
| Serbia and Montenegro | Present | ||||||
| Slovakia | Present | ||||||
| Slovenia | Present | ||||||
| Spain | Present | ||||||
| Switzerland | Present | ||||||
| Ukraine | Present | ||||||
North America |
|||||||
| Barbados | Present | ||||||
| Canada | Present | ||||||
| -British Columbia | Present | ||||||
| -Manitoba | Present | ||||||
| -Nova Scotia | Present | ||||||
| -Ontario | Present | ||||||
| -Quebec | Present | ||||||
| Costa Rica | Present | ||||||
| Cuba | Present | ||||||
| Dominican Republic | Present | ||||||
| El Salvador | Present | ||||||
| Guatemala | Present | ||||||
| Haiti | Present | ||||||
| Jamaica | Present | ||||||
| Mexico | Present | ||||||
| Panama | Present | ||||||
| Puerto Rico | Present | ||||||
| United States | Present | ||||||
| -Kentucky | Present | ||||||
| -Maryland | Present | ||||||
| -Michigan | Present | ||||||
| -North Carolina | Present | ||||||
| -Pennsylvania | Present | ||||||
| -Virginia | Present | ||||||
Oceania |
|||||||
| Australia | Present | ||||||
| -New South Wales | Present | ||||||
| -Queensland | Present | ||||||
| -South Australia | Present | ||||||
| -Tasmania | Present | ||||||
| -Victoria | Present | ||||||
| -Western Australia | Present | ||||||
| New Caledonia | Present | ||||||
| New Zealand | Present | ||||||
| Papua New Guinea | Present | ||||||
South America |
|||||||
| Argentina | Present | ||||||
| Bolivia | Present | ||||||
| Brazil | Present | ||||||
| -Minas Gerais | Present | ||||||
| -Rio Grande do Sul | Present | ||||||
| -Santa Catarina | Present | ||||||
| -Sao Paulo | Present | ||||||
| Colombia | Present | ||||||
| Ecuador | Present | ||||||
| Uruguay | Present | ||||||
| Venezuela | Present | ||||||
Hosts/Species Affected
Top of page
P. viticola is most important as a pathogen of Vitis vinifera, V. labrusca and V. vinifera hybrids. P. viticola also attacks a number of Vitis species and related genera in the family Vitaceae, but wild hosts are not significant to disease development on the cultivated varieties (Barrett, 1939; Renfro and Bhat, 1981).
Wild Vitis host species include V. aestivalis,V. arizonica, V. berlandieri [V. cinerea var. helleri], V. californica, V. coignetiae, V. cordifolia, V. girdiana, V. monticola, V. pagnucci [V. piasezkii var. pagnuccii], V. riparia, V. romaneti, V. rotundifolia, V. rupestris and V. treleasei (Lafon and Bulit, 1981; Hall, 1989). Additionally, under laboratory conditions, Staudt and Kassemeyer (1995) observed downy mildew on V. acerifolia, V. amurensis, V. candicans [V. mustangensis], V. champinii, V. cinerea, V. doaniana, V. lanata, V. palmata, V. piasezkii, V. rubra, V. shuttleworthii, V. solonis, V. tiliifolia and V. vulpina.
Other wild host genera in the Vitaceae include Ampelopsis, Cissus, Cordifolia, Cinerea, Parthenocissus and Solonis (Renfro and Bhat, 1981; Hall, 1989).
Wild Vitis host species include V. aestivalis,V. arizonica, V. berlandieri [V. cinerea var. helleri], V. californica, V. coignetiae, V. cordifolia, V. girdiana, V. monticola, V. pagnucci [V. piasezkii var. pagnuccii], V. riparia, V. romaneti, V. rotundifolia, V. rupestris and V. treleasei (Lafon and Bulit, 1981; Hall, 1989). Additionally, under laboratory conditions, Staudt and Kassemeyer (1995) observed downy mildew on V. acerifolia, V. amurensis, V. candicans [V. mustangensis], V. champinii, V. cinerea, V. doaniana, V. lanata, V. palmata, V. piasezkii, V. rubra, V. shuttleworthii, V. solonis, V. tiliifolia and V. vulpina.
Other wild host genera in the Vitaceae include Ampelopsis, Cissus, Cordifolia, Cinerea, Parthenocissus and Solonis (Renfro and Bhat, 1981; Hall, 1989).
Host Plants and Other Plants Affected
Top of page| Plant name | Family | Context | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ampelopsis | Vitaceae | Other | |
| Cissus | Vitaceae | Other | |
| Vitis arizonica (canyon grape (USA)) | Vitaceae | Other | |
| Vitis ficifolia | Vitaceae | Wild host | |
| Vitis labrusca (fox grape) | Vitaceae | Main | |
| Vitis rupestris (sand-grape) | Vitaceae | Other | |
| Vitis vinifera (grapevine) | Vitaceae | Main |
Symptoms
Top of page
P. viticola infects all green parts of the host plant that bear stomata. It generally causes yellow discoloration, necrosis and distortion.
On young leaves, lesions appear as yellow, translucent 'oilspots' with a chocolate-brown halo (see Pictures). On cultivar Ruby Cabernet, oilspots are reddish instead of yellow (Nicholas et al., 1994). Multiple oilspots can coalesce to cover much of the leaf surface. Oilspots become dry and necrotic as they age, first in the centre and later throughout the entire lesion. On older leaves, the lesions are restricted by veins to form small, angular, yellow to reddish-brown spots which combine to form a patchwork or mosaic-like pattern.
Sporulation only occurs on the lower leaf surface, where the stomata reside. The sporangiophores and sporangia appear as a white, downy, cottony growth. Under highly favourable conditions, sporulation may appear on the undersides of leaves before the yellow oilspot becomes visible on the upper leaf surface. On older oilspots, sporulation occurs primarily on the margins of the lesion.
Infected shoot tips and rachises of young inflorescences distort into a curl or corkscrew.
Infected inflorescences and young berries appear yellow or grey and may be covered with cottony spores under favourable conditions. Sporulation occurs on pedicels and berries. Clusters infected at an early stage can result in individual berries, sections of the cluster, or even entire clusters turning brown, drying and falling off the vine.
Berries infected later in the season (after 2-3 weeks post-bloom) become discoloured and shrivel but do not support sporulation. This stage is sometimes referred to as the 'brown rot' phase. Berry stems continue to sporulate after sporulation ceases on the berries.
On young leaves, lesions appear as yellow, translucent 'oilspots' with a chocolate-brown halo (see Pictures). On cultivar Ruby Cabernet, oilspots are reddish instead of yellow (Nicholas et al., 1994). Multiple oilspots can coalesce to cover much of the leaf surface. Oilspots become dry and necrotic as they age, first in the centre and later throughout the entire lesion. On older leaves, the lesions are restricted by veins to form small, angular, yellow to reddish-brown spots which combine to form a patchwork or mosaic-like pattern.
Sporulation only occurs on the lower leaf surface, where the stomata reside. The sporangiophores and sporangia appear as a white, downy, cottony growth. Under highly favourable conditions, sporulation may appear on the undersides of leaves before the yellow oilspot becomes visible on the upper leaf surface. On older oilspots, sporulation occurs primarily on the margins of the lesion.
Infected shoot tips and rachises of young inflorescences distort into a curl or corkscrew.
Infected inflorescences and young berries appear yellow or grey and may be covered with cottony spores under favourable conditions. Sporulation occurs on pedicels and berries. Clusters infected at an early stage can result in individual berries, sections of the cluster, or even entire clusters turning brown, drying and falling off the vine.
Berries infected later in the season (after 2-3 weeks post-bloom) become discoloured and shrivel but do not support sporulation. This stage is sometimes referred to as the 'brown rot' phase. Berry stems continue to sporulate after sporulation ceases on the berries.
List of Symptoms/Signs
Top of page| Sign | Life Stages | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Fruit / discoloration | ||
| Fruit / extensive mould | ||
| Fruit / mummification | ||
| Fruit / premature drop | ||
| Growing point / discoloration | ||
| Growing point / distortion | ||
| Growing point / mycelium present | ||
| Inflorescence / blight; necrosis | ||
| Inflorescence / discoloration (non-graminaceous plants) | ||
| Inflorescence / distortion (non-graminaceous plants) | ||
| Inflorescence / lesions; flecking; streaks (not Poaceae) | ||
| Leaves / abnormal colours | ||
| Leaves / abnormal forms | ||
| Leaves / abnormal leaf fall | ||
| Leaves / fungal growth | ||
| Leaves / necrotic areas | ||
| Stems / distortion | ||
| Stems / mould growth on lesion | ||
| Stems / mycelium present |
Biology and Ecology
Top of page
P. viticola is an obligately biotrophic plant pathogen with a sexual overwintering phase and asexual multiplication cycles during the growing season.
Primary Infection
The pathogen usually overwinters as oospores in fallen leaves infected in the previous season. P. viticola is heterothallic with two mating types (Wong et al., 2001). An antheridium fertilizes an oogonium to form the sexual oospore (Kortekamp et al., 1998). In mild climates such as in California the pathogen has been observed overwintering as mycelium in buds and canes of wild grape species (Barrett, 1939).
Oospores germinate in the spring when temperatures reach about 10°C and vineyard soils are wet. Oospores germinate and form a germ tube which terminates in a macrosporangium. Germination and formation of the macrosporangia can occur in as little as 24 hours of soil wetness (Gregory, 1915; Ronzon-Tran Manh Sung and Clerjeau, 1988). When wet, the macrosporangia release an average of 8-20 (Hall, 1989) and up to 60 (Ronzon-Tran Manh Sung and Clerjeau, 1988) zoospores. At 20°C zoospore release occurs after 30 or more minutes (Ronzon-Tran Manh Sung and Clerjeau, 1988). Zoospores are dispersed onto host tissue by rainsplash.
Penetration and colonization of the host
Zoospores require surface wetness to infect the host. Infection takes place only through the stomata (Gregory, 1914). Zoospores swim on the tissue surface, encyst near stomata in groups of 2 to 5, and each spore forms a single germ tube which penetrates the stomata. In the substomatal cavity the germ tube swells, forming a substomatal vesicle from which arises a single hypha. Hyphae grow intercellularly, filling the space between the host mesophyll cells and taking on an irregular shape. In as little as 3.5 hours the first haustorium forms where the pathogen contacts the host cells. Additional haustoria form as the pathogen ramifies through host tissue, parasitizing the mesophyll cells (Langcake and Lovell, 1980; Kortekamp et al., 1998). The pathogen can initiate sporulation upon reaching a non-parasitized substomatal cavity (Langcake and Lovell, 1980; Kortekamp et al., 1998). Vascular tissue restricts pathogen growth to interveinal areas in older leaves (Langcake and Lovell, 1980).
Incubation
The incubation time, the period between infection and the first appearance of symptoms, depends on temperature and ranges from 4 to 21 days, with an average of 7-10 days. The incubation period is shortest on young leaves and at temperatures of 19-24°C (Muller and Sleumer, 1934; Zachos, 1959; Rafaila et al., 1968).
Sporulation
The pathogen sporulates through stomata during warm, humid nights. To sporulate, P. viticola requires at least 95-98% RH, temperatures between 10 and 30°C (peak production occurs at 20°C) and at least 4 hours of darkness (Blaeser and Weltzien, 1978; Lalancette et al., 1988b; Hill, 1989). Light inhibits sporulation of P. viticola (Brooks, 1979; Magarey and Butler, 1998). The sporangia remain viable for 4-8 days at high relative humidity and temperatures below about 22°C, and 1-2 days in hotter, drier conditions (Zachos, 1959; Blaeser and Weltzien, 1978; Kast and Stark-Urnau, 1999).
Individual lesions resporulate a number of times under favourable conditions, and can retain the potential to sporulate for 2-3 months (Zachos, 1959; Hill, 1989).
Secondary Infection
Secondary cycles of infection occur repeatedly throughout the growing season if weather conditions are favourable. To infect the plant, P. viticola requires surface wetness and temperatures of between 5-6°C and 30°C (Blaeser and Weltzien, 1977; Lalancette et al., 1988a). At optimal temperatures (approximately 20°C) infection can occur in 2 hours of surface wetness, with more hours of wetness required at non-optimal temperatures (Blaeser and Weltzien, 1977; Lalancette et al., 1988a).
When wet, the sporangia detach from their sporangiophores and germinate, releasing zoospores which are spread by windblown rain to new host tissue (Blaeser and Weltzien, 1978). Zoospores are released 30 to 180 minutes after the sporangia become wet (Langcake and Lovell, 1980; Kast and Stark-Urnau, 1999). Zoospores aggregate near stomata in groups of up to 10, possibly due to chemotactic signals (Royle and Thomas, 1973).
The penetration and colonization process is the same as described for the primary infection.
Primary Infection
The pathogen usually overwinters as oospores in fallen leaves infected in the previous season. P. viticola is heterothallic with two mating types (Wong et al., 2001). An antheridium fertilizes an oogonium to form the sexual oospore (Kortekamp et al., 1998). In mild climates such as in California the pathogen has been observed overwintering as mycelium in buds and canes of wild grape species (Barrett, 1939).
Oospores germinate in the spring when temperatures reach about 10°C and vineyard soils are wet. Oospores germinate and form a germ tube which terminates in a macrosporangium. Germination and formation of the macrosporangia can occur in as little as 24 hours of soil wetness (Gregory, 1915; Ronzon-Tran Manh Sung and Clerjeau, 1988). When wet, the macrosporangia release an average of 8-20 (Hall, 1989) and up to 60 (Ronzon-Tran Manh Sung and Clerjeau, 1988) zoospores. At 20°C zoospore release occurs after 30 or more minutes (Ronzon-Tran Manh Sung and Clerjeau, 1988). Zoospores are dispersed onto host tissue by rainsplash.
Penetration and colonization of the host
Zoospores require surface wetness to infect the host. Infection takes place only through the stomata (Gregory, 1914). Zoospores swim on the tissue surface, encyst near stomata in groups of 2 to 5, and each spore forms a single germ tube which penetrates the stomata. In the substomatal cavity the germ tube swells, forming a substomatal vesicle from which arises a single hypha. Hyphae grow intercellularly, filling the space between the host mesophyll cells and taking on an irregular shape. In as little as 3.5 hours the first haustorium forms where the pathogen contacts the host cells. Additional haustoria form as the pathogen ramifies through host tissue, parasitizing the mesophyll cells (Langcake and Lovell, 1980; Kortekamp et al., 1998). The pathogen can initiate sporulation upon reaching a non-parasitized substomatal cavity (Langcake and Lovell, 1980; Kortekamp et al., 1998). Vascular tissue restricts pathogen growth to interveinal areas in older leaves (Langcake and Lovell, 1980).
Incubation
The incubation time, the period between infection and the first appearance of symptoms, depends on temperature and ranges from 4 to 21 days, with an average of 7-10 days. The incubation period is shortest on young leaves and at temperatures of 19-24°C (Muller and Sleumer, 1934; Zachos, 1959; Rafaila et al., 1968).
Sporulation
The pathogen sporulates through stomata during warm, humid nights. To sporulate, P. viticola requires at least 95-98% RH, temperatures between 10 and 30°C (peak production occurs at 20°C) and at least 4 hours of darkness (Blaeser and Weltzien, 1978; Lalancette et al., 1988b; Hill, 1989). Light inhibits sporulation of P. viticola (Brooks, 1979; Magarey and Butler, 1998). The sporangia remain viable for 4-8 days at high relative humidity and temperatures below about 22°C, and 1-2 days in hotter, drier conditions (Zachos, 1959; Blaeser and Weltzien, 1978; Kast and Stark-Urnau, 1999).
Individual lesions resporulate a number of times under favourable conditions, and can retain the potential to sporulate for 2-3 months (Zachos, 1959; Hill, 1989).
Secondary Infection
Secondary cycles of infection occur repeatedly throughout the growing season if weather conditions are favourable. To infect the plant, P. viticola requires surface wetness and temperatures of between 5-6°C and 30°C (Blaeser and Weltzien, 1977; Lalancette et al., 1988a). At optimal temperatures (approximately 20°C) infection can occur in 2 hours of surface wetness, with more hours of wetness required at non-optimal temperatures (Blaeser and Weltzien, 1977; Lalancette et al., 1988a).
When wet, the sporangia detach from their sporangiophores and germinate, releasing zoospores which are spread by windblown rain to new host tissue (Blaeser and Weltzien, 1978). Zoospores are released 30 to 180 minutes after the sporangia become wet (Langcake and Lovell, 1980; Kast and Stark-Urnau, 1999). Zoospores aggregate near stomata in groups of up to 10, possibly due to chemotactic signals (Royle and Thomas, 1973).
The penetration and colonization process is the same as described for the primary infection.
Means of Movement and Dispersal
Top of page
Natural dispersal (non-biotic):
Blaeser and Weltzien (1978) observed sporangial dispersion only in wind-blown rain, not in the air. Zachos (1959) noted that high mortality of sporangia in dry conditions would prevent air dispersal. However, there is some evidence of long-distance (500-600 km) spore dispersal in regional air currents (Szoke et al., 1998).
Vector transmission
None.
Seedborne spread
None.
Agricultural practices
Historically, agricultural practices have led to catastrophic dispersal of P. viticola. P. viticola is native to the north-eastern USA, and it is generally accepted that the pathogen spread to Europe on American grapes imported for use as rootstocks resistant to phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifolii [Viteus vitifoliae]) (Viennot-Bourgin, 1981). Downy mildew was first observed in France in September 1878 (Viala, 1893).
According to Viala (1893), the dangers of importing infected American
plants had already been asserted by Cornu several years earlier.
Strategies to prevent the spread of P. viticola on plant material include heat treatment of cuttings, maintaining disease-free tissue culture plantlets, and avoiding the spread of soil and leaf debris which may bear oospores (Emmett et al., 1992).
Blaeser and Weltzien (1978) observed sporangial dispersion only in wind-blown rain, not in the air. Zachos (1959) noted that high mortality of sporangia in dry conditions would prevent air dispersal. However, there is some evidence of long-distance (500-600 km) spore dispersal in regional air currents (Szoke et al., 1998).
Vector transmission
None.
Seedborne spread
None.
Agricultural practices
Historically, agricultural practices have led to catastrophic dispersal of P. viticola. P. viticola is native to the north-eastern USA, and it is generally accepted that the pathogen spread to Europe on American grapes imported for use as rootstocks resistant to phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifolii [Viteus vitifoliae]) (Viennot-Bourgin, 1981). Downy mildew was first observed in France in September 1878 (Viala, 1893).
According to Viala (1893), the dangers of importing infected American
plants had already been asserted by Cornu several years earlier.
Strategies to prevent the spread of P. viticola on plant material include heat treatment of cuttings, maintaining disease-free tissue culture plantlets, and avoiding the spread of soil and leaf debris which may bear oospores (Emmett et al., 1992).
Plant Trade
Top of page| Plant parts liable to carry the pest in trade/transport | Pest stages | Borne internally | Borne externally | Visibility of pest or symptoms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flowers/Inflorescences/Cones/Calyx | hyphae; spores | Yes | Yes | Pest or symptoms usually visible to the naked eye |
| Fruits (inc. pods) | hyphae; spores | Yes | Yes | Pest or symptoms usually visible to the naked eye |
| Growing medium accompanying plants | spores | Pest or symptoms usually invisible | ||
| Leaves | hyphae; spores | Yes | Yes | Pest or symptoms usually visible to the naked eye |
| Seedlings/Micropropagated plants | hyphae; spores | Yes | Yes | Pest or symptoms usually visible to the naked eye |
| Plant parts not known to carry the pest in trade/transport |
|---|
| Bark |
| Bulbs/Tubers/Corms/Rhizomes |
| Roots |
| Stems (above ground)/Shoots/Trunks/Branches |
| True seeds (inc. grain) |
| Wood |
Impact
Top of page
P. viticola has caused significant impacts on grape production since the 1800s. During the early culture of European varieties in the USA, yield losses were commonly 75% (Viala, 1893). Catastrophic losses arose in Europe in the late 1800s when P. viticola was first introduced on American rootstocks. The disease caused severe losses in favourable seasons and growers abandoned the use of several highly susceptible varieties (Viala, 1893).
Potential yield losses remain high, ranging from 50 to 100% under favourable conditions. The pathogen directly attacks the young inflorescences and fruit. Indirect damage occurs when severe foliar infections cause early defoliation, exposing the fruit to sunburn and reducing winter hardiness (Emmett et al., 1992). The estimated annual crop loss in an average year in Australia is $22.5 million (Australian dollars) with an additional $10 million spent on control measures. In wet years, direct crop losses may be as high as $64 million (Magarey and Butler, 1998).
Potential yield losses remain high, ranging from 50 to 100% under favourable conditions. The pathogen directly attacks the young inflorescences and fruit. Indirect damage occurs when severe foliar infections cause early defoliation, exposing the fruit to sunburn and reducing winter hardiness (Emmett et al., 1992). The estimated annual crop loss in an average year in Australia is $22.5 million (Australian dollars) with an additional $10 million spent on control measures. In wet years, direct crop losses may be as high as $64 million (Magarey and Butler, 1998).
Diagnosis
Top of page
Place leaves displaying oilspots and clusters displaying epinasty or oilspots in a lightly moistened plastic box or plastic bag and incubate overnight in the dark at 15-25°C. Fresh spores will be visible on infected tissue in the morning. Mature berries will not produce spores but their infected pedicels will sporulate.
P. viticola is an obligate biotroph and thus cannot be grown in culture.
P. viticola is an obligate biotroph and thus cannot be grown in culture.
Detection and Inspection
Top of page
Oilspots are readily visible in the field and will be noticed on inspection of the leaves (Seem et al., 1985). Monitoring procedures have been described to detect primary infection at levels as low as 0.01% (Seem et al., 1985). The upper leaf surfaces should be inspected for oilspots by gently moving the shoots and leaves, spending about 30 seconds per vine for 200-300 vines. If a primary infection is observed, that spot should be monitored for the first secondary infections, which are usually within 1 m of the original primary oilspots (Nicholas et al., 1994). Vines should be inspected every 1-2 weeks, or as necessary based on weather conditions (Nicholas et al., 1994). Computer training programs have been developed for improved accuracy of disease assessments (Nutter et al., 1998).
Similarities to Other Species/Conditions
Top of page
Uncinula necator, causal agent of grape powdery mildew, also infects grape leaves and fruit clusters. Symptoms of early powdery mildew can resemble those of early downy mildew. Both diseases cause light-yellow patches on the upper leaf surface. However, powdery mildew is characterized by a flat, powdery, whitish-grey appearance on upper or lower leaf surfaces and on the fruit (Pearson, 1988; Nicholas et al., 1994). In contrast, downy mildew colonies are fluffy, a brighter white, and only found on the lower leaf surface.
Botrytis cinerea, the cause of Botrytis bunch rot or grey mould, produces fluffy colonies on grape clusters. However, Botrytis sporulation is brownish-grey or olive, unlike the bright white appearance of P. viticola (Bulit and Dubos, 1988; Nicholas et al., 1994).
Herbicides such as paraquat can cause yellowing of leaf tissue but these spots produce no spores (Nicholas et al., 1994).
Erinose mites cause a white growth on the undersides of leaves which can resemble downy mildew infections. The growths are only in blister-like galls and are not accompanied by oilspots (Nicholas et al., 1994).
Botrytis cinerea, the cause of Botrytis bunch rot or grey mould, produces fluffy colonies on grape clusters. However, Botrytis sporulation is brownish-grey or olive, unlike the bright white appearance of P. viticola (Bulit and Dubos, 1988; Nicholas et al., 1994).
Herbicides such as paraquat can cause yellowing of leaf tissue but these spots produce no spores (Nicholas et al., 1994).
Erinose mites cause a white growth on the undersides of leaves which can resemble downy mildew infections. The growths are only in blister-like galls and are not accompanied by oilspots (Nicholas et al., 1994).
Prevention and Control
Top of pageDue to the variable regulations around (de)registration of pesticides, your national list of registered pesticides or relevant authority should be consulted to determine which products are legally allowed for use in your country when considering chemical control. Pesticides should always be used in a lawful manner, consistent with the product's label.
Disease pressure varies significantly with weather conditions. Management must be rigorous in wet climates such as eastern North America and parts of Europe, and during unusually wet seasons in dry locations such as California or Australia.
Chemical Control
Chemical control has been an important control measure since the late 1800s, after the classic discovery of Bordeaux mix (copper sulfate plus lime) by Millardet in 1885 (Viala, 1893). Fungicides remain the most widely used management tool against P. viticola today (Lafon and Bulit, 1981; Lafon and Clerjeau, 1988; Emmett et al., 1992).
There are multiple pre- and post-infection chemicals available. Currently used pre-infection chemicals, or protectants, include: copper-based compounds (e.g. copper hydroxide, copper oxychloride and cuprous oxide); cyclimide (e.g. captan); dithiocarbamates (e.g. mancozeb); chlorothalonil; and dithianon.
Phenylamide compounds such as metalaxyl and benalaxyl have both pre- and post-infection activity (Nicholas et al., 1994) as do strobilurines such as azoxystrobin (Wong and Wilcox, 2001). Phosphonates provide post-infection activity (Nicholas et al., 1994).
First applications are generally advised at 3-8 inches of shoot-growth, immediate pre-bloom, and post-bloom to protect the young inflorescences and fruit. For the remainder of the season sprays may be based on a routine schedule (usually every 10-14 days) to maintain continuous protection of the vines. Alternatively, sprays may be based on disease risk as determined by weather conditions and forecasting models.
Resistance to phenylamide fungicides has been observed in Europe (Leroux and Clerjeau, 1985). The possibility of future resistance has triggered interest in monitoring and preventing this threat (Genet and Vincent, 1999; Wong and Wilcox, 2000). Gauthier and Amsden (2014) reported Qol-resistant downy mildew of grape in Kentucky.
Warning Systems
The complex interactions of P. viticola with the environment render grape downy mildew a candidate for disease forecasting and modelling. Spray timing models have been used in Europe since the early 1900s (Muller and Sleumer, 1934; Populer, 1981). In more recent years computer-based forecasting models and decision tools have been developed in Italy (Rosa et al., 1993), France (Fouassier et al., 1997), Austria (Denzer, 1998), Germany (Huber et al., 1998), Hungary and Slovakia (Szoke et al., 1998), the USA (Park et al., 1997; Madden et al., 2000) and Australia (Magarey et al., 1991; Wachtel and Magarey, 1997). Most downy mildew models incorporate temperature, rainfall, relative humidity and leaf wetness, and more complex simulators incorporate information on host growth stage and varietal susceptibility. Models can be integrated into pre- or post-infection treatment strategies.
Resistant Crop Cultivars
Most cultivars of V. vinifera are highly susceptible to downy mildew, as are many cultivars of V. labrusca and interspecific hybrids.
Breeding for resistance to downy mildew has been ongoing since the 1930s (Matthews, 1981). Wild American Vitis species and related genera have been identified as possible sources of resistance. Putative resistance mechanisms include surface features such as leaf hairs or warty structures (Matthews, 1981; Staudt and Kassemeyer, 1995; Kortekamp and Zyprian, 1999), single-gene hypersensitive response (Matthews, 1981) and defence chemicals including peroxidase, viniferin, resveratrol and flavonoids (Langcake, 1981; Dai et al., 1995; Kortekamp et al., 1998).
Attempts to genetically engineer grapevine began in the late 1980s with Agrobacterium-mediated transformation (Baribault et al., 1989) and more recently with biolistics, or the 'gene gun' (Kikkert et al., 1996). Research continues on the introduction of genes for resistance to downy mildew and other pathogens (Reisch et al., 1996).
Cultural Control
Cultural practices alone are unlikely to give sufficient control, especially under conditions favourable to downy mildew (Lafon and Clerjeau, 1988). However, cultural methods can influence disease development. High humidity and extended periods of leaf wetness enhance the development of downy mildew, thus techniques to promote air circulation and minimize surface wetness may reduce disease development (Palti and Rotem, 1981). Pruning and trellising methods which reduce canopy density decrease downy mildew levels (Wearing et al., 1999). Using furrow irrigation instead of overhead irrigation also reduces disease (Emmett et al., 1992). Primary infection may be prevented by ploughing to bury oospores in leaf litter, and avoidance of irrigating soil for long periods in order to prevent oospore germination (Palti and Rotem, 1981).
References
Top of pageBaribault TJ, Skene KGM, Scott NS, 1989. Genetic transformation of grapevine cells. Plant Cell Reports, 8:137-140.
Berkeley JM, Curtis MA, 1848. In: Rav. Fungi Carol. Exsic. Fasc. v. n. 90.
Berlese AN, de Toni JB, 1888. In: Saccardo, Sylloge fungorum Vol. VII, 239.
Blaeser M, Weltzein H, 1977. Investigation of the infection of grapevine with Plasmopara viticola in relation to leaf wetness. Meded. Fac. Landbouww. Rijksuniv. Gent, 42:967-976.
Blaeser M, Weltzein H, 1978. The significance of sporulation, dispersal, and germination of sporangia of Plasmopara viticola. Zeitschrift fur Pflanzenkrankheiten und Pflanzenschutz, 85:155-161.
Bulit J, Dubos B, 1988. Botrytis bunch rot and blight. In: Pearson RC, Goheen AC, eds. Compendium of Grape Diseases. St. Paul, USA: APS Press, 13-15.
de Bary A, 1863. Developpement de quelques champignons parasites. Ann. Sc. Nat, Series 4.
Denzer HW, 1998. "Itimet" a new grape vine disease risk analyzing program. In: Magarey PA, Thiele SA, Tschirpig KL, Emmett RW, Clake K, Magarey RD, eds. Proceedings of the Third International Workshop on Grapevine Downy and Powdery Mildew. Loxton, South Australia: SARDI Research Report Series, 12.
Fouassier S, Magnien C, Jacquin D, 1997. MILVIT: A model for the asexual phase of grapevine downy mildew-Results of 4 years of validation. Viticulture and Enological Sciences, 52:169-171.
Golovina NP, 1955. Comparatio speciminum Plasmopara viticola Berl. et de Toni e regionibus variis. Bot. Mat. J. Acad. Nauk SSSR, 10:138-144.
Gregory CT, 1914. Studies on Plasmopara viticola. Phytopathology, 4:399.
Gregory CT, 1915. Studies on Plasmopara viticola (downey mildew of grapes). Proceedings of the International Congress of Viticulture, San Francisco, USA: 126-150.
Grunzel H, 1960. Studies on the biological differentiation of downy mildew of vines (Peronospora viticola de Bary). Phytopathologische Zeitschrift, 39:149-194.
Hill GK, 1989. Effect of temperature on sporulation efficiency of oilspots caused by Plasmopara viticola (Berk. & Curt. ex de Bary) Berl. & de Toni in vineyards. Viticulture and Enological Sciences, 44:86-90.
Huber B, Bleyer G, Kassemeyer HH, 1998. Verification of the Freiburg model against Plasmopara viticola by field trials from 1993-1997. In: Magarey PA, Thiele SA, Tschirpig KL, Emmett RW, Clake K, Magarey RD, eds. Proceedings of the Third International Workshop on Grapevine Downy and Powdery Mildew. Loxton, South Australia: SARDI Research Report Series, 18-19.
Kikkert JR, Hebert-Soule D, Wallace PG, Striem MJ, Reisch BI, 1996. Transgenic plantlets of 'Chancellor' grapevine (Vitis sp.) from biolistic transformation of embryogenic cell suspensions. Plant Cell Reports, 15:311-316.
Lafon R, Bulit J, 1981. Downy mildew of the vine. In: Spencer D, ed. The Downy Mildews. New York, USA: Academic Press, 601-614.
Lafon R, Clerjeau M, 1988. Downy mildew. In: Pearson RC, Goheen AC, eds. Compendium of Grape Diseases. St. Paul, USA: APS Press, 11-13.
Magarey PA, Butler AM, 1998. Can downy mildew be controlled by interrupting the dark requirement for sporulation. In: Magarey PA, Thiele SA, Tschirpig KL, Emmett RW, Clake K, Magarey RD, eds. Proceedings of the Third International Workshop on Grapevine Downy and Powdery mildew. Loxton, South Australia: SARDI Research Report Series, 17.
Matthews P, 1981. Breeding for resistance to downy mildews. In: Spencer D, ed. The Downy Mildews. New York, USA: Academic Press, 255-287.
Nutter FW, Litwiller D, Emmett RW, Magarey PA, 1998. A computer training to improve disease severity assessments in grapevines. In: Magarey PA, Thiele SA, Tschirpig KL, Emmett RW, Clake K, Magarey RD, eds. Proceedings of the Third International Workshop on Grapevine Downy and Powdery mildew. Loxton, South Australia:17.
Palti J, Rotem J, 1981. Control of downy mildews by cultural practices. In: Spencer DM, ed. The Downy Mildews, London, UK: Academic Press, 289-304.
Park EW, Seem RC, Gadoury DM, Pearson RC, 1997. DMCast: a prediction model for grape downy mildew development. Viticulture and Enological Sciences, 52:182-189.
Pearson RC, 1988. Powdery Mildew. In: Pearson RC, Goheen AC, eds. Compendium of Grape Diseases. St. Paul, MN: APS Press, 9-11.
Populer C, 1981. Epidemiology of downy mildews. In: Spencer D, ed. The Downy Mildews. London, UK: Academic Press, 57-105.
Procenko A, 1946. Novii vozbuditel mildiu na Amurskom vinograde. Vinod. Vinograd. SSSR, 7-8:30-32.
Rafaila C, Sevcenco V, David Z, 1968. Contributions to the biology of Plasmopara viticola. Phytopathologische Zeitschrift, 63:328-336.
Reisch BI, Striem MJ, Howell-Martens M, 1996. Genetic engineering of elite grape cultivars: A progress report. American Journal of Enology and Viticulture, 47:229-230.
Renfro BL, Bhat SS, 1981. Role of wild hosts in downy mildew diseases. In: Spencer DM, ed. The Downy Mildews. London, UK: Academic Press, 107-119.
Ronzon-Tran Manh Sung C, Clerjeau M, 1988. Techniques for formation, maturation, and germination of Plasmopara viticola oospores under controlled conditions. Plant Disease, 72:938-941.
Royle DJ, Thomas GG, 1973. Factors affecting zoospore responses towards stomata in hop downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora humuli) including some comparisons with grapevine downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola). Physiological Plant Pathology, 3:405-417.
Savulescu T, Savulescu O, 1952. Studiul morfologic, biologic, si sistematic al genurilor Sclerospora, Basidiophora, Plasmopara si Perenoplasmopara. Bul. Sti. Acad. Rep. Pop. Rom., 3: 3, 327-457.
Schroeter J, 1886. Kryptogamen Flora von Schlesien. Pilze.
Schweinitz LD, 1837. In: Synopsis Fungorum Am. Boreal. 2663, no. 25.
Szoke L, Vanek G, Szabo L, Baglyas F, 1998. Experience on the GALATI-VITIS grape plant protection forecasting computer program and its role in the integrated viticulture management. In: Magarey PA, Thiele SA, Tschirpig KL, Emmett RW, Clake K, Magarey RD, eds. Proceedings of the Third International Workshop on Grapevine Downy and Powdery Mildew. Loxton, South Australia: SARDI Research Report Series.
Viala P, 1893. Les Maladies de la Vigne. Montpellier, France.
Viennot-Bourgin G, 1981. History and importance of downy mildews. In: Spencer DM, ed. The Downy Mildews. London, UK: Academic Press, 1-15.
Wachtel MF, Magarey PA, 1997. The field use of a simulator for Plasmopara viticola to improve disease management for Australian grapegrowers. Viticulture and Enological Sciences, 52:193-194.
Wearing LP, McFadden-Smith W, Fisher KH, Hall R, 1999. Grapevine canopy density affects the development of fungal diseases. Phytopathology, 89:S83.
Weltzein HC, 1981. Geographical distribution of downy mildews. In: Spencer DM, ed. The Downy Mildews. London, UK: Academic Press, 31-43.
Zachos DG, 1959. Recherches sur la biologie et l'epidemiology du mildiou de la vigne en Grece. Annales de l'Institut Phytopathologique Benaki.
Distribution References
CABI, Undated. CABI Compendium: Status inferred from regional distribution. Wallingford, UK: CABI
CABI, Undated a. CABI Compendium: Status as determined by CABI editor. Wallingford, UK: CABI
Distribution Maps
Top of page
You can pan and zoom the map
Save map
Select a dataset
Map Legends
-
CABI Summary Records
Map Filters
Extent
Invasive
Origin
Third party data sources:
Unsupported Web Browser:
One or more of the features that are needed to show you the maps functionality are not available in the web browser that you are using.
Please consider upgrading your browser to the latest version or installing a new browser.
More information about modern web browsers can be found at http://browsehappy.com/
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
Please click OK to ACCEPT or Cancel to REJECT