Phaeoacremonium Vine Decline in California and Aetiology, Epidemiology and Control of Measles

Pathogenicity trials have been done with Thompson Seedless, Flame Seedless, and Cabernet varieties inoculated with spore suspension of two species of Phaeoacremonium and Phaeomoniella chlamydospora (Phaeoacremonium chlamydosporum). Additional experiments are also underway to stimulate early fruit production on certain varieties of grape to study the measles symptoms on the berries. Spore traps have been placed in ten productions locations select vineyards where measles have occurred. Lab procedures have been developed to facilitate the recovery of Phaeoacremonium and Phaeomoniella spores from these traps. In vitro methods are being used to screen materials that may be effective against these pathogens.