Assessment of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) resistance to powdery mildew under natural conditions
摘要
Powdery mildew (PM), caused by Erysiphe necator Schwein (syn. Uncinula necator Schwein), poses a significant threat to grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivation, particularly in Tamil Nadu, India. This study evaluated the severity of powdery mildew across 55 grape genotypes during different phenological stages, analyzed its correlation with weather parameters, and assessed the biocontrol potential of Ampelomyces quisqualis. Research conducted during 2022–2023 under natural field conditions revealed peak disease severity at the veraison stage, with a Percentage Disease Incidence (PDI) ranging from 30.94 to 73.57, influenced by altitude, weather conditions, and grape varieties. This stage exhibited the highest genetic variability (GCV = 26.85) and heritability (> 90%), emphasizing its critical role in resistance breeding efforts. Weather analysis indicated a positive correlation between maximum temperature (r = 0.37) and disease severity, while cooler nights (r = − 0.47) and high relative humidity (r = − 0.24) suppressed pathogen proliferation. Mycoparasitism by A. quisqualis was most pronounced in high-altitude regions (65.78%), as confirmed through morphological and molecular characterization. These findings underscore the dual potential of genetic resistance and A. quisqualis as eco-friendly biocontrol strategies for managing powdery mildew, paving the way for sustainable grape production. PC2, driven by high relative humidity and rainfall along with low sunshine hours, showed a negative correlation with PDI (r ≈ − 0.54), indicating these conditions favor disease development.