This vine disease was already known to the Romans and others in antiquity. The name is derived from the Greek "yska", which means "rotten wood". It occurs mainly in warmer regions such as France, Italy and California. According to current knowledge, the fungi Phaeoacremonium, Fomitiporia punctata, Phellinus igniarius and Stereum hirsutum are involved. The former species also seems to be the cause of Petri's disease. This appears to be the precursor of Esca, which is why it is also called Young Esca. The complicated disease complex causes apoplexy, i.e. the sudden death of vines or at least parts of them, within a few years.
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Fachjournalistin, Lektorin und Verkosterin, Wien