This study investigated the appearance of esca
symptoms in relation to environmental factors and
the rootstock/cultivar combination in an experimental
setting between 2004 and 2009. Among the common
genotypes showing susceptibility to the esca disease,
four cultivars were considered: ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’,
‘Sangiovese’, ‘Trebbiano Toscano’ and ‘Chardonnay’.
These cultivars were studied own-rooted and in combination
with two rootstocks: Kober 5BB and 1103
Paulsen. The difference in susceptibility of cultivars to
esca appeared negatively related to the graft. No clear
relation was found between esca appearance and environmental
factors. Moreover, an unexpected discordance
between esca incidence percentage and mortality
rate was observed