Fungal disease
Grape Esca (Black Measles)
Also known as Black measles
A wood disease of grapevines, caused by several fungi, that leaves "tiger stripe" patterns on leaves and can kill vines.
Symptoms
- Yellow or red-brown stripes between the leaf veins that dry out ("tiger stripes")
- Small dark spots on the berries
- Parts of the vine, or the whole vine, suddenly wilting and dying in summer
What causes it
The fungi enter through pruning wounds and grow inside the wood over many years.
What you can do
- There is no cure; focus on protecting healthy vines.
- Prune in dry weather and protect large cuts.
- Cut out dead wood well below the damage and remove badly affected vines.
- Clean pruning tools between vines.
Not sure it's esca (black measles)?
Photograph one affected leaf and Plantulus will suggest the most likely problem, with a confidence score. It's free and needs no sign-up.
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General guidance only, not a diagnosis. Check product labels and local rules before using any treatment, and ask a horticultural specialist if a valuable plant is struggling. See the disclaimer.