The impact of Phaeomoniella chlamydospora infection on the grapevine's physiological response to water stress Part 2: Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay

Phaeomoniella chlamydospora is a vascular pathogen that colonises the xylem tissues of the grapevine. It is associated with the diseases, esca and Petri disease, often considered to be 'stress-related' diseases. In glasshouse experiments using Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, stomatal conductance was higher in infected plants, implying that infection interferes with stomatal control. In Cabernet Sauvignon, leaf water potentials were lower in infected plants subjected to water stress, indicating that infection made it more difficult for the vine to get water to the leaf. This was less apparent in Chardonnay. Clearly, infection alters the grapevine response to water stress and some cultivars are affected more than others.