Microbial Antagonism Toward Bunch Rot of Grapes in Multiple Field Tests Using One Strain and Formulated Biological Control Products.

bunch rot (BBR), caused by the necrotrophic fungus , is a major disease of wine and table grapes worldwide. Due to negative effects of pesticides on the environment and human health, alternative control strategies against BBR, such as biological control agents (BCAs), are required to produce high-quality grapes and wines with high standards of food safety. However, few biological control products against BBR are available, and their efficacy is sometimes variable.

Potential secondary inoculum sources of Botrytis cinerea and their influence on bunch rot development in dry Mediterranean climate vineyards.

Background: Epidemiological studies have described the life cycle of B. cinerea in vineyards. However, there is a lack of information on the several infection pathways and the quantitative relationships between secondary inoculum and bunch rot at harvest.

Suppression of Botrytis cinerea on necrotic grapevine tissues by early-season applications of natural products and biological control agents.

Background: Necrotic tissues within grape (Vitis vinifera) bunches represent an important source of Botrytis cinerea inoculum for Botrytis bunch rot (BBR) at harvest in vineyards. This research quantified the incidence of B. cinerea on necrotic floral and fruit tissues and the efficacy of biologically based treatments for suppression of B.