Fomitiporia mediterranea M. Fisch., the historical Esca agent: a comprehensive review on the main grapevine wood rot agent in Europe

Fomitiporia mediterranea M. Fisch. (Fmed) is a basidiomycete first described in 2002, and was considered up to then as part of punctata (P. Karst) Murrill. This fungus can degrade lignocellulosic biomass, causing white rot leaving bleached fibrous host residues. In Europe Fmed the main grapevine wood (Esca) agent within Esca disease complex, which includes some most economically important Grapevine Trunk Diseases (GTDs). review summarises evaluates published research on Fmed, elimination by curettage or management treatments with specific products applied diseased grapevines, relationship between symptoms Leaf Stripe Disease (GLSD) complex. Information also reviewed biology, mechanisms pathogenicity, their possible relationships external foliar control strategies reviewed.