Sustainable long-term strategies for Phylloxera management under Australian conditions

Abstract

Development of novel rapid methods for screening of grapevine phylloxera genotypes against rootstocks and preliminary screening conducted using three phylloxera clonal lineages. Detailed surveying and monitoring of phylloxera clones was conducted in a range of infested regions.

Summary

Phylloxera is a serious threat to production and deserves attention on several fronts, including expansion of knowledge of the pest through research, examination of the circumstances and implications surrounding outbreaks, improvement of practices in infested vineyards and extension of information to grapegrowers.

Activities from 2003 to 2006 had two main aims, namely to ensure rootstocks being used in Australian viticulture have adequate resistance to a broad range of phylloxera clones, and to ensure effectiveness of phylloxera quarantine protocols through scientific validation of risk factors. The research included investigation of interactions between phylloxera genetic strains on selected grapevine root types under controlled laboratory and glasshouse conditions. There was also soil characterisation at five field sites where known phylloxera lineages occur. Data on genotypes (according to geographic location, diversity and seasonal abundance) was recorded at three field sites over three consecutive seasons. An important component was establishment of field sites in North East Victoria to enable long term comparison of genotype behavior variations on “resistant” and “immune” rootstocks.

Results, apart from adding to knowledge and laying a foundation for further research, provided additional information for grapegrowers which was extended at a number of training sessions. Apart from information on the pest itself, they shared trial information on composting and other practices as they relate to phylloxera activity. A specific outcome was clarification of risk periods and identification of zones within phylloxera-infested vineyards in Glenrown, Buckland Valley, Nagambie and Rutherglen.

The project expanded knowledge for research and grapegrowing purposes and continued to raise awareness of risks created by phylloxera. Results will assist the National Phylloxera Technical Reference Group and contribute to management protocols.