Grapevine decline has been recognized throughout the world in California, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Grapevine decline may be caused by insects, drought stress, overcropping, nutrient deficiencies, winter injury, herbicide damage, air pollutants, and viral, bacterial, and fungal diseases.

Grape growers in Pennsylvania and New York have become increasingly aware of grapevine decline. Vine decline reduces yields and the availability of high quality fruit from old vines. Young and old vines of all cultivars can be affected.

During the years of 2001 through 2003 a survey was conducted across Pennsylvania and New York to record the incidence of grapevine decline in those states and document the fungi associated with decline.