White Rot

fungal disease affecting vines that occurs in those parts of Europe most prone to hailstorms, also known as hail disease. Crop losses can be as high as 80%. The fruit is attacked after a hailstorm and, because the berry skin is lifted from the flesh, the berries appear white, hence the name. High summer rainfall, high humidity, and high temperatures also favour the disease. The fungus responsible is Coniella diplodiella, which is controlled by a range of chemical sprays.