PATHOGENIC MICROORGANISMS OF GRAPES: MECHANISM OF INFECTION AND METHODS OF PROTECTION

Abstract

Grape (Vitis vinifera) are one of the most important fruit plant species, widely distributed throughout the world. Commercial grape varieties are susceptible to significant exposure to a variety of pathogenic microorganisms that can cause disease in plants both pre-harvest and post-harvest. These diseases significantly affect the production, processing and export of grapes, as well as their quality. Potential threats include bacteria, fungi, oomycetes and viruses, which have different life cycles, infection mechanisms and survival strategies. The interaction between grapes and pathogens involves cycles of resistance and susceptibility, the study of which allows us to identify resistance traits inherent in natural resources and use them in the breeding process to ensure sustainable agriculture. This review summarizes the main diseases affecting Vitis vinifera, including their causative agents. A comprehensive analysis of the infection strategies used by different types of pathogens was also carried out, taking into account the plant response to infection in both resistance and susceptibility scenarios. In addition, new methods used to assess the condition of grapes under conditions of biotic stress are discussed, as well as scientifically based procedures that are necessary to combat plant diseases and protect the crop from them.