Eutypa dieback of grapevine: isolation of a molecule synthesized by Eutypa lata and toxic for grapevine

Eutypa dieback, caused by the ascomycet fungus Eutypa lata, is currently the most serious disease of the grapevine. This disease Mow affects a great number of vineyards throughout the world, its economic impact is very important and there is no remedy available for the destruction of the parasitic fungus. In this article, we describe the dieback symptoms, the management practices, the economic impact and the present knowledge on the interactions between E. lata and grapevine. We also present findings concerning the role of a toxic compound, hydroxy-4(methyl-3 butene-3 ynyl-1)-3 benzaldehyde, name eutypine, synthesized by the parasitic fungus and which was shown to be involved in the expression of the disease symptoms. The recent progress made in understanding eutypine's mechanism of action has opened new prospects regarding development of efficient tools for stopping this disease.