The three Rs – Rootstock, Resistance and Resilience to grape phylloxera

Abstract

The overall aim of this research project was to focus on four phylloxera management
strategies: detection, quarantine, rootstock selection and awareness, in order to minimise the risk of phylloxera spreading within and between quarantine regions in Australia.

Summary

This report describes the research and extension activities of a GWRDC-funded project (co-funded by DPI-Victoria and PGIBSA) on phylloxera research and management conducted during the period December 2008-December 2011. Increased scientific knowledge of grapevine phylloxera, obtained during the project period was passed on to stakeholders at all levels, both nationally and internationally. The research activities conducted allowed the development of improved management practices particularly through an in-depth understanding of the interactions between phylloxera clonal lineages and rootstocks, leading to improved rootstock recommendations for Australian conditions. Other research activities undertaken included monitoring at a new phylloxera detection site, which improved our understanding of the population dynamics and relative risk of dispersal of a highly virulent phylloxera genetic lineage. A targeted early phylloxera detection system was evaluated in the Yarra Valley region at three field sites. Further scientific validation of this technology over a range of grape-growing regions may ultimately lead to an enhanced surveillance program for phylloxera. An improved awareness of the impact of pH, sugar concentration, cold temperature, sulphur dioxide and white juice on grape phylloxera survival may lead to improved quarantine protocols for white juice disinfestations.