Identification and Pathogenicity of , , and spp. Associated with Late-Season Bunch Rots of Grape.

Fungal pathogens continue to pose a significant threat to grape production. Previous studies of pathogens associated with late-season bunch rots in Mid-Atlantic vineyards had elucidated the primary causal agents of these diseases, but the significance and identity of the less commonly isolated genera was unclear. Therefore, to more fully understand the identity and pathogenicity of , , and spp. associated with late-season bunch rots of wine grapes in the Mid-Atlantic, phylogenic analyses and pathogenicity assays were conducted. Isolates were characterized to the species level by sequencing the and , and , and genes for 10, 7, and 9 isolates of , , and , respectively. Four , three , and three species were identified, and , , , , and had not yet been isolated from grape in North America. The pathogenicity of each species was evaluated on detached table and wine grapes, and , , , and were found to be the most aggressive on both table and wine grapes. Further investigations through more extensive isolate collection and of myotoxicity testing may be warranted due to the prevalence and pathogenicity of and .