Botryosphaeria stevensii infection of Pinot Noir grapevines by soil-root transmission

Botryosphaeria grapevine die-back is usually caused by infection of wounds in aerial parts of the grapevine. However, this study shows that Botryosphaeria stevensii infection can also be initiated from soilborne inoculum. Six months after soil inoculation with B. stevensii, shoots from two of six potted Pinot Noir vines were found to be infected with the fungus. This is the first report of infection grapevines by B. stevensii through soil-root transmission. Infection from soilborne inoculum has serious implications for vineyard replanting after removal of diseased vines.