Grapevine Pathogenic Microorganisms: Understanding Infection Strategies and Host Response Scenarios

Abstract

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is one of the most important fruit crop worldwide. Commercial cultivars are greatly affected by a large number of pathogenic microorganisms that cause diseases during pre- and/or post-harvest periods, affecting production, processing and export, along with fruit quality. Among the potential threats, we can find bacteria, fungi, oomycete, or viruses with different life cycles, infection mechanisms and evasion strategies. While plant–pathogen interactions are cycles of resistance and susceptibility, resistance traits from natural resources are selected and may be used for breeding purposes and for a sustainable agriculture. In this context, here we summarize some of the most important diseases affecting V. vinifera together with their causal agents. The aim of this work is to bring a comprehensive review of the infection strategies deployed by significant types of pathogens while understanding the host response in both resistance and susceptibility scenarios. New approaches being used to uncover grapevine status during biotic stresses and scientific-based procedures needed to control plant diseases and crop protection are also addressed.

Susceptibility to downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) and powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator) of differentVitiscultivars and genotypes

“…Also some QTLs with major DM-resistance effects have been identified, named Rpv (Resistance to P. viticola). New Rpv regions have been found on different chromosome numbers (Blasi et al, 2011;Schwander et al, 2012;Venuti et al, 2013;Armijo et al, 2016). As can be clearly seen in this study, cultivars or genotypes can have different resistant level even if they belong to the same species.…”

Genome-wide analysis of cis-regulatory element structure and discovery of motif-driven gene co-expression networks in grapevine

“…Striking differences were observed especially in grapevine leaves infected with P. viticola , as many module genes were down-regulated, potentially highlighting antagonism between JA and SA signaling pathway. Down-regulation of JA signaling might alleviate repression of SA signaling, and activate early defense-related pathways during P. viticola interaction 71 . In addition, module genes may play a role in the regulation of signaling pathways for flower abscission, as module genes were largely down-regulated by gibberellic acid treated flowers but up-regulated in shaded ones.…”

Characterization of fungal communities of developmental stages in table grape grown in the northern region of South Africa

“…) and Erysphe (Armijo et al . ) species, which compromise physiological processes, quality and vigour during fruit development, and after harvest. Such may result in substantial yield losses and decay during marketing.…”