This open access book provides a comprehensive exploration of the relationship between fungi and grapevines, covering contemporary mycological classifications, pathogens, the mycobiome, endophytes, and mycorrhizae. Inspired by the French book "La Vigne, Maladies Fongiques" by the same authors, which won first prize at the 2015 OIV book competition (Organisation Internationale de la Vigne et du Vin, Dijon), this work aims to extend and update that foundational text.
The introduction delves into the origins and adaptability of grapevines in response to evolving fungal diseases, alongside an overview of their biology, epidemiology, and control measures. The second chapter covers the systematics of the genus Vitis, the developmental stages of the vine, the anatomy of various organs, the history and breeding of resistant varieties, and the natural defense mechanisms of grapevines against fungal infections.
A significant portion of the book provides the latest insights into mycology, including chapters on fungal systematics and taxonomy, as well as the concepts of holobiome, microbiome, and mycobiome in relation to grapevines. The third part focuses on fungal diseases affecting green organs, wood, and roots, illustrated at macroscopic, microscopic, and ultrastructural levels, and includes discussions on disease cycles and epidemiology. Additionally, there is a chapter dedicated to grafting systems and the specificity of fungi in nurseries.
The final chapter addresses the control of fungal diseases, from historical perspectives to modern chemical groups of active ingredients, natural fungicides, and comprehensive disease management strategies. This includes application techniques, calibration of spraying equipment, drift reduction, and proper storage and handling of fungicides.
This open access book serves as a key reference on the complex interactions between fungi and grapevines for scientists, students, and winegrowers, offering extensive practical knowledge and a rich scientific background based on over thirteen years of research by the authors.
Katia Gindro is the Head of the 'Mycology and Pathology' Research Group at the Swiss Federal Agronomic Research Station, Agroscope. She completed her Master's thesis in Biology and her PhD (Dr ès Science) on Botrytis cinerea at the University of Lausanne between 1994 and 2000. With extensive expertise in mycology and the biochemistry of vine-fungi interactions, K. Gindro has made significant contributions to understanding secondary metabolites and phytoalexins of the vine. Her work in monitoring the epidemiology of fungal diseases using optical and electron microscopy has solidified her reputation, leading to numerous collaborative research projects with both public and private sector partners. K. Gindro is also a lecturer in mycology at the University of Geneva, serves on the Board of the Swiss Mycology Society, and has authored over two hundred scientific, technical, and extension publications, in addition to several books and book chapters on phytopathology, biochemistry, and mycology.
Olivier Viret, currently Director of Vitiviniculture for the Canton of Vaud, Switzerland, has also had a distinguished career at Agroscope, where he has served as Head of Mycology, Plant Protection, and Viticulture-Oenology at the national level. He began his career as an apprentice winemaker-cellarer, completed a Master's in Agronomic Engineering, and earned a PhD in Mycology at ETH Zurich, where he currently lectures in Vine Pathology. His scientific expertise and practical experience have earned him an international reputation. For over fifteen years, he has served as a national expert in the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) in the 'Genetic Resources and Vine Breeding' and 'Vine Protection and Viticultural Techniques' groups. O. Viret has authored hundreds of scientific and extension publications, as well as book chapters, and he spearheaded the development of the Agrometeo and Vitimeteo plant-protection and vineyard risk forecasting systems in partnership with the Freiburg Weinbauinstitut in Breisgau, Germany.
