Xylophilus ampelinus. [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria].

A description is provided for Xylophilus ampelinus. Information is included on the disease caused by the organism, its transmission, geographical distribution, and hosts. HOST: Vitis vinifera. DISEASE: Bacterial blight of the grapevine; 'Tsilik marasi' in Greece; 'Maladie d'Oleron' in France; 'Mel nero' in Italy; 'Vlamsiekte' in South Africa. In early spring buds on infected spurs fail to open or make stunted growth which eventually dies. Affected spurs often appear slightly swollen because of hyperplasia of the cambial tissue. Cracks appear along such spurs and enlarge to form cankers. Young shoots may develop pale yellowish-green spots on the lowest internodes. These expand upwards on the shoot, darken, crack and develop into cankers. Cracks and later cankers also form on more woody branches later in spring. In summer, cankers are often seen on the sides of petioles causing a characteristic one-sided necrosis of the leaf. They may also appear on main and secondary flower and fruit stalks. Leaf spots and marginal necrosis sometimes occur. Gum formation is not necessarily a symptom. GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: South Africa, France, Greece (including Crete), Italy (including Sardinia and Sicily), Spain, Turkey (68, 367). (IMI Distribution Map 531, ed 2, 1986). TRANSMISSION: Bacteria are carried by moisture to wounds, leaf scars and other sites where infection may take place. Primary infection can take place without wounding. Grafting and pruning can cause much spread of the disease. Overhead irrigation contributes to spread and development (51, 551). Observations indicate that sources of infection survive in vines even after removal of visibly infected parts.