Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
Impact of temperature on growth and pathogenicity of fungi associated with grapevine trunk diseases in Iran
*Article not assigned to an issue yet
Ghasemi Esfahlan Saied, Shekariesfahlan Azam, Zare Rasoul, Hemmati Roghayeh, Khabbaz Jolfaee Hossein
Research Articles | Published: 23 December, 2025
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Keywords: GTDs, Esca, White rot, Disease severity, Climate change
Abstract
Grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs), exacerbated by the compounding effects of climate change, have led to significant economic losses globally, including in Iran. This study investigated the impact of various temperatures on the growth and pathogenicity of fourteen fungi isolated from diseased grapevine trunks. The study revealed a significant interaction effect between isolate and temperature on pathogenicity, with optimal growth temperatures (Topt) ranging from 20.0 to 27.5 °C, driving distinct patterns. Cytospora chrysosperma exhibited the highest growth at 25 °C (90 mm), followed by K. variispora (62.33 mm) and E. nigrum (37.67 mm). Phaeomoniella chlamydospora, Phaeoacremonium minimum, and Fomitiporia mediterranea exhibited peak canker lengths (up to 40.58 mm, 29.67 mm, and 26.08 mm, respectively) at 33–37 °C, while Microsphaeropsis olivacea declined at 37 °C (11.83 mm), is reflecting cooler adaptation. Moderate pathogens Kalmusia variispora and Cytospora chrysosperma peaked at 25–33 °C, and low-pathogenicity Epicoccum nigrum and Quambalaria sp. showed stability in different temperatures. The cumulative detrimental impacts of GTDs and abiotic factors, particularly heat stress, on grapevines are widely acknowledged. The findings of this study will help in enhancing region-specific GTD management strategies.
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Author Information
Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran,, Iran