Grapevine Trunk Diseases in European Vineyards: Management and Prevention Practices

This document compiles effective control practices for grapevine trunk diseases (GTD) in European vineyards, based on a survey of 219 interviews across 10 regions. GTD, caused by multiple fungal pathogens, leads to wood deterioration, reduced yield, and lower grape quality. Key management strategies include using healthy planting material, removing symptomatic and dead vines, clearing pruning debris promptly, and pruning during dry weather to limit infection. Wound protection with physical, biological, or chemical agents applied after pruning is critical for prevention. Winemakers report that Guyot-Poussard pruning reduces infection risk due to fewer, smaller wounds. Double pruning and longer spurs may also reduce fungal penetration. For established infections, trunk renewal, cleaning, re-grafting, and fungicide injections are used to extend vineyard life. Trichoderma applications are gaining interest as a biological control. The study highlights the importance of pruning practices and debris management in reducing GTD incidence.