Grapevine “bois noir”: what is new under the sun?

The diseases associated with phytoplasmas in grapevine are collectively called yellows and occur in the majority of grapevine growing regions over the world. Among these diseases the “bois noir” is the most widespread and in most of the cases is it endemic in vineyards. Molecular variability was reported in the ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ (“stolbur”, 16SrXII-A) infecting grapevines, and in some cases a link to epidemiological aspect of the genomic features detected by MLT was hypotized. Statistical modeling to allow the prediction of the disease in specific grapevine growing areas is also developed. Studies about grapevine- “bois noir” phytoplasma interaction were focusing on some of the main genes regulated in the plant response. A study linking wine production and quality from healthy and “bois noir” infected grapevines showed the negative influence of the disease on wine production but only when the weather conditions were favorable to the production. Perspectives for improved management of the “bois noir” disease were also explored.