In vitro changes in the major structural components of wood cell walls during decay by Eutypa lata

• Author(s): Greve, Carl; Gubler, W.; Labavitch, John; Rolshausen, P.;
• Abstract: Eutypa lata causes a dieback disease that poses an important economic threat to the grapevine industry in California. E. lata ascospores are released after rainfall events, infect pruning wounds and develop in woody tissue. The biochemical nature of the dieback was determined on the susceptible cultivar Cabernet Sauvignon in vitro on homogeneous grape wood blocks. Composition of lignin, pectin, cellulose and hemicellulose was determined on healthy wood tissue and 6, 12 and 18 months after infection by the pathogen. Pycnidia bearing conidia of E. lata were observed after 12 months on grape wood blocks. Infected wood blocks lost 13, 17 and 23% of their initial dry weight after 6, 12 and 18 months, respectively. The data suggest no selective degradation of lignin, pectin and cellulose over the 18 months period. However, glucose was determined to be the primary target of fungal attack.
• Publication Date: Jun 2003
• Journal: Phytopathology