Ecological Characteristics of White Stain Symptom on the Grape in Korea

BACKGROUND: The white stain symptom of grape clusters and canes by dust-like particles occurred in many vineyards recently. This study was conducted to investigate the ecological characteristics of white stain symptom in grapevines and vineyards. METHODS AND RESULTS: Optimal climate condition for white stain symptom was with 60% of humidity. Moreover, closed condition with same humidity showed higher incidence rate of white stain symptom than ventilation condition. Grape varieties with black berry skin such as Campbell-Early and Kyoho were more sensitive to white stain symptom compare to varieties with green and red berry skin. Although the pathogens were not detected until March, they increased from April, and increased sharply from mid of July. The pathogens may overwinter in the infected stems and/or on the bark as a mycelium. According to the increase of sugar content of grape from August to September, the mycelium which was parasitic on the bark grew to move to the fruits through the stems, and finally reached the fruit stalk to detach berries from the clusters. CONCLUSION: Well ventilation is recommended inside the vineyard since mid-July with roll up an insect net. In addition, infected stems and fruits should be removed out from grapevines infected with pathogens in the vineyards.