Exploring the potential impact of global climate change on grapevine health with particular emphasis on grapevine trunk diseases

The effects of global climate change are evident. Rising average temperature, increased carbon dioxide concentration and a higher frequency of extreme weather events such as heat waves, heavy rainfall, and droughts are well documented. Agriculture stands out as one of the most vulnerable sectors to these impacts. This vulnerability arises not only from the direct effects of agroclimatic variables on crop growth and development but also from the implications for plant health. Environmental changes can affect various aspects of pathogen dynamics, including reproduction, dispersal, survival, and activity, along with host susceptibility and host-pathogen interactions. Vineyards are highly susceptible to these effects, with projections indicating variability across different regions. In this review, we provide a summary of the impacts of climate change on plant diseases, with a specific focus on the potential implications for grapevine diseases. Among these, we highlight the complex of grapevine trunk diseases, which currently pose a significant challenge to grape production worldwide. Additionally, we explore the potential effects of climate change on microbial communities at the root-soil interface associated with grapevines and their correlation with grape health. Furthermore, we discuss key findings from a local study that examines the alterations induced by drought in the fungal composition of grapevine underground compartments. While certain research findings may be applicable to other regions, it's crucial to conduct local studies to evaluate the specific effects of climate change on grapevine diseases.