Reinhard Töpfer

Jan 9, 2025 | nature.com | Nagarjun Malagol |Anna Werner |Reinhard Töpfer

AbstractThe hairiness of the leaves is an essential morphological feature within the genus Vitis that can serve as a physical barrier. A high leaf hair density present on the abaxial surface of the grapevine leaves influences their wettability by repelling forces, thus preventing pathogen attack such as downy mildew and anthracnose. Moreover, leaf hairs as a favorable habitat may considerably affect the abundance of biological control agents.