Generic name for a harmful fungus whose subgenus Phomopsis viticola causes black spot disease (also Phomopsis or Phomopsis type 2) on the vine; see there.
This vine disease (French: excoriose) has been known for a long time and occurs in many wine-growing regions worldwide. It was the most dangerous fungal disease in Europe before powdery mildew. It must not be confused with blackwood disease, which is transmitted by cicadas. At the beginning of the 20th century, black spot disease was probably contained (as a side effect) by intensive control of downy mildew with Bordeaux broth. The "black burner" mentioned in the middle of the 19th century is probably the same disease, based on the symptoms....
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Dr. Christa Hanten
Fachjournalistin, Lektorin und Verkosterin, Wien