Grape phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae) – a review of potential detection and alternative management options

Abstract

The management options for grape phylloxera, Daktulosphaira vitifoliae, a monophagous insect pest of Vitis species are reviewed. Although in a worldwide context, grape phylloxera is managed predominantly by the use of resistant rootstocks developed through conventional breeding of hybrid crosses of American Vitis species, this management aspect is largely excluded from the review so that emerging technologies in the field of detection, quarantine and alternative management are discussed. In some viticulture regions of the world, where grape phylloxera's geographic distribution is limited (e.g. Australia), the pest is managed through a combination of surveillance, detection and quarantine. Although some alternative management options for grape phylloxera exist they have received relatively limited research attention because of the relative success of resistant rootstocks. The resilience of resistant rootstocks as the primary management option could also be challenged in the future by host‐plant interactions with diverse grape phylloxera clonal lineages and by potential impacts of climate change on both grapevine and grape phylloxera distribution. A range of control options exist which could be integrated into an improved management system for grape phylloxera. Priority areas for future evaluation and further development include early detection techniques, investigation into the use of biological control agents and development of an integrated approach to grapevine phylloxera management.

Scientific Opinion on the risk to plant health posed by Daktulosphaira vitifoliae (Fitch) in the EU territory, with the identification and evaluation of risk reduction options

“…Nodosities function as feeding sites for phylloxera and significantly alter the primary and secondary metabolism of the roots Du et al, 2013). Tuberosities are rarer, occur on V. vinifera and less resistant rootstocks, and result in limited root damage (Benheim et al, 2012). Root populations are frequently observed on partially resistant rootstocks, where they feed on immature roots producing nodosities (Powell et al, 2013).…”

“…The frequency, severity and distribution of infestations depend on a combination of environmental, physiological and genetic factors (Powell and Herbert, 2005) and especially on the degree of host plant resistance and on the strain of the pest (Benheim et al, 2012). Premature senescence in autumn, stunting of lateral shoot growth, reduced grape yields, reduced overall vigour or a general weak spot within a group of vines are all potential signs (Powell, 2008).…”

“…Granett et al (2005) considered that the earliest leaf galls in spring are caused by individuals overwintering as hibernating stages on the roots of the same vine or vines nearby. All in all, gallicoles are generally considered far less damaging than radicoles (Benheim et al, 2012). The level of phylloxera infestation in grafted vineyards that can occur on partially resistant rootstocks depends on multiple factors (Section 3.1.4.2).…”

“…Although durability of resistance to phylloxera has been surprisingly long, it is important to realise that it is difficult to predict whether phylloxera populations in the future will overcome this resistance (Lin et al, 2012). On partially resistant rootstocks, root populations of phylloxera can survive, but only on immature and feeder roots (Granett et al, 2005), and nodosities can develop on resistant, partially resistant and susceptible grapevine hybrids (Powell, 2008;Benheim et al, 2012). The majority of rootstock varieties currently in use are only partially resistant to phylloxera.…”

“…Potential for consequences in the risk assessment area D. vitifoliae has for a long time been an important pest in the majority of wine-producing countries throughout the world, starting around 1860 (Granett et al, 2001), when it was accidentally imported into France and devastated the French wine industry, destroying over 1 million ha of ungrafted V. vinifera vineyards (Benheim et al, 2012).…”