[Incidence and distribution of the genus Armillaria in vineyards of the five protected designation of origin wines in Galicia (Northwestern Spain)]

Abstract

Blackground: The genus Armillaria, specifically Armillaria mellea, is an important phytopathological problem in the wine sector in Galicia (NW Spain), having caused yield reductions in vineyards for the last 15 years. The fungus attacks the root system, resulting in a decrease in vigour, and eventually in the death of the plant. Up to now, there is no chemical or biological method really effective against the pathogen once it has infected the plant.

Aims: The main objective of this work was to study the incidence and distribution of the genus Armillaria across the five Galician protected designation of origin (DO) wines (namely Rías Baixas, Ribeiro, Ribeira Sacra, Valdeorras and Monterrei) through the application of molecular techniques.

Methods: A total of 624 samples (483 soils and 141 symptomatic vines) were analyzed by nested-PCR/RFLP, PCR-RFLP and phylogeny.

Results: Armillaria mellea is widely distributed in vineyards of the five DO wines, with the highest incidence in the Ribeiro DO.

Conclusions: Preventive control measures against Armillaria mellea must be established in the five DO wines of Galicia, in order to reduce the advance of white root rot.

Keywords: Armillaria mellea; Molecular techniques; Podredumbre blanca radicular; Técnicas moleculares; Vitis vinifera; White root rot.