Regrafting and curettage of esca-affected vines: useful control techniques but difficult to implement

Abstract

Grapevine trunk diseases affect 13 % of French vineyards and esca has become more prevalent in recent decades (Grosman & Doublet 2012). Fussler et al. (2008) reported that an average of 3.25 % of vines are affected by esca. Management of these vines, considered unproductive, often consists in cutting off the symptomatic arm or uprooting the vine. In this competitive environment, it is difficult for a newly planted vine to grow and return to production. Regeneration of diseased vines thus seems an interesting alternative approach to controlling esca.