Ministry of Agriculture
Grape Diseases
Black Foot Disease (Cylindrocarpon spp.)
A survey of grape decline problems in Okanagan vineyards was conducted in 2007/08 by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (O'Gorman, Haag & Sholberg). The causal agent of black foot disease (Cylindrocarpon spp.) was isolated from vines ranging from 3-15 years of age in several vineyards. Infection was associated with both a gradual and a rapid decline of vines. This disease had not been previously diagnosed in grapevine from British Columbia.
Cylindrocarpon is known to occur in all major viticulture regions of the world, but the disease is not well understood. It's importance in B.C.'s vineyards remains to be seen. The following information is based on information from California and other viticultural areas.
Symptoms
In California, Cylindrocarpon causes "black foot disease" in grape, affecting mainly young vines up to 8 years old. Roots show black, sunken, necrotic lesions. In cross section, the base of the trunk appears necrotic and xylem vessels may be black in colour. Leaves may appear to be water stressed or scorched, and vines may be stunted and/or killed. Cylindrocarpon may occur in combination with other plant pathogens.
 |
 |
| Vine decline caused by Cylindrocarpon. Photo courtesy Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada | Internal discolouration of vine rootstock infected with Cylindrocarpon. Photo courtesy Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada |
Disease Cycle
Cylindrocarpon is a common soil-borne fungus which causes root rot in many plant species. It survives in soil as mycelium and also produces conidia (spores) and chlamydospores (spores that can survive adverse conditions).
Research in South Africa has shown that nursery soils can be a source of inoculum, and the disease can be carried on nursery plants.
Disease Prevention and Management
- Plant healthy vines with no sign of root deterioration or discolouration in the vascular tissue.
- Hot water treatment has been shown in South Africa to reduce the level of Cylindrocarpon infection in nursery stock. Hot water treatment at a similar temperature and duration is required for vines imported from France or Germany for the prevention of phytoplasma diseases.
- There are no fungicide treatments for Cylindrocarpon available in Canada.
References
- O'Gorman, D.T., P. Haag & P.L. Sholberg. 2008. New Diseases Causing Decline of Wine Grapes in the Okanagan Valley. Canadian Plant Disease Survey, in press.
- Petit, E. and W.D. Gubler. 2005. Characterization of Cylindrocarpon Species, the Cause of Black Foot Disease of Grapevine in California. Plant Disease 89(10):1051-1059.
- Halleen, F., P. Fourie & P.W. Crous. Black foot disease of grapevine: Summary of research in South Africa. Wynboer, Dec. 2005.
January, 2009
