烟草水浸提液对葡萄根瘤蚜侵染危害的控制效应

【目的】检疫害虫葡萄根瘤蚜Daktulosphaira vitifoliae已经在我国多个地区葡萄园发现为害, 直接影响葡萄生长; 前期实验发现烟草水浸提液可有效控制离体根上根瘤蚜的存活率, 本研究进一步开展盆栽验证, 探讨烟草水浸提液对葡萄根瘤蚜侵染的控制效应及葡萄植株生长抑制的缓解作用。【方法】以两年生温室盆栽‘巨峰’自根苗为实验材料, 接种根瘤蚜虫卵35 d后进行烟草水浸提液处理, 处理后测定供试植株的根结数、生长量、根系活力、叶片光合速率及叶绿素荧光等指标。【结果】20 mg/mL和50 mg/mL的烟草水浸提液对根瘤蚜均有一定程度的抑制作用, 施药21 d后, 葡萄根部的新增根结数分别比侵染对照下降了42.9%和52.8%。烟草水浸提液处理还在一定程度上缓解了根瘤蚜侵染对植株的光合能力和荧光的抑制作用。20 mg/mL和50 mg/mL烟草水浸提液处理的株高分别比侵染对照提高了57.1%和7.7%; 根瘤蚜侵染降低了土壤中真菌、细菌和放线菌的数量, 烟草水浸提液处理进一步降低了真菌和放线菌的数量, 降低了由微生物带来的次生侵染几率。【结论】烟草水浸提液对葡萄根瘤蚜的侵染具有控制效果, 并可对葡萄根瘤蚜侵染已造成的寄主危害有一定的缓解作用。     

Clonal reproduction and population genetic structure of grape phylloxera, Daktulosphaira vitifoliae, in Australia

The grape phylloxera, Daktulosphaira vitifoliae, is a viticultural pest that in the past has devastated vineyards worldwide, yet little is known about this insect's biology. The genetic structure of Australian populations of grape phylloxera and its mode of reproduction were studied following the development of four polymorphic microsatellite loci. Insects were collected from 28 vineyards, with a total of 361 insects included in the study. The majority of vineyards were infested by functionally parthenogenetic lineages of grape phylloxera that inhabit the root system and there was little support for the traditionally described holocyclic life cycle for this species. Clonal diversity was limited in all of the vineyard regions, with the exception of the Rutherglen region. A multiple founder scenario or occasional sex may contribute to diversity within the Rutherglen region. Leaf galling populations comprised classes distinct from the common genotypic classes identified on the roots, suggesting limited exchange between these groups. Implications for the management of D. vitifoliae are discussed.     

Variation in performance on two grape cultivars within and among populations of grape Phylloxera from wild and cultivated habitats

When an indigenous insect becomes a pest, comparisons of performance of pest and non-pest populations on crop plants and of genetic variation in that performance may provide insight into the evolution of pest populations. To measure such genetic variation, 8–15 clones of the grape phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae Fitch) were collected from wild grapevines in each of 3 geographically isolated sites (populations) and from commercial vineyards in northern California. A complete life table was made for clonal replicates from populations collected from wild grapevines on each of two commercial grape cultivars, the susceptibleVitis vinifera (L.) cultivar Cabernet Sauvignon, and the phylloxera-resistant rootstock ‘AxR # 1’. Variation in mean performance on these two hosts was partitioned among clones within collection sites and among sites. Performance measures included an individual analog to the intrinsic rate of increase (r), age at first oviposition, fecundity in the first ten days of reproduction, total fecundity, and longevity. The overall performance of phylloxera from the wild grapevines on the resistant cultivar AxR # 1 was greater than or equal to that on the susceptible cultivar Cabernet Sauvignon. There was significant variation among clones within populations from wild grapes in the rate of increase on ‘AxR # 1’ and marginally significant clonal variation in some of the component paramters. There was no significant variation among clones within populations on ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ and no significant differences between populations on either crop in any trait. In a second experiment we compared the relative performance of 15–17 clones from wild grapevines and from commercial vineyards when reared on ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ and ‘AxR # 1’. Phylloxera from commercial vineyards had much higher overall performance on ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ than did phylloxera from the wild grapevines. Phylloxera from the commercial vineyard also had higher performance on ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ than on ‘AxR′ 1’ but the performance of the phylloxera from wild and commercial grapes did not differ on ‘AxR # 1’. Our results show that there is genetic variation in traits related to performance on a resistant rootstock within these indigenous non-pest populations of phylloxera, but not among them. The pattern of performance of pest and non-pest populations on two commercial cultivars suggests that current levels of phylloxera performance on crop cultivars are the result of adaptation to those cultivars which has occurred while phylloxera has been associated with viticulture. Implications of these results for understanding the recent adaptation of phylloxera to ‘AxR # 1’ in California are also discussed.     

Jasmonic acid induced resistance in grapevines to a root and leaf feeder

We investigated the effects of induced resistance to the folivore Pacific spider mite, Tetranychus pacificus McGregor (Acari: Tetranychidae), as well as the root-feeding grape phylloxera Daktulosphaira vitifoliae (Fitch) (Homoptera: Phylloxeridae) in grapevines using exogenous applications of the natural plant inducer, jasmonic acid. Foliar jasmonic acid application at concentrations that caused no phytotoxicity significantly reduced the performance of both herbivores. There were less than half as many eggs produced by spider mites feeding on the induced leaves compared with control grapevine leaves. Induction reduced the numbers of phylloxera eggs and nymphal instars by approximately threefold and twofold, respectively, on induced compared with control grapevine roots. The negative demographic effects of jasmonic acid application appeared to be caused by changes in fecundity for the Pacific spider mite, and possibly changes in development rate and fecundity for grape phylloxera.     

Genetic structure of an introduced pest, grape phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae Fitch), in Europe.

A model for the genetic structure of grape phylloxera populations in Europe was developed using hierarchical sampling techniques and AFLP-PCR (amplified fragment length polymorphism--polymerase chain reaction) methodology. One-hundred three European and 6 North American phylloxera populations were studied. An additional European sampling set comprising 60 samples was analyzed to study regional subdivision. The populations grouped into two clusters loosely correlated with collection site location. Phylloxera populations collected from northern (above lat 43 degrees) geographic regions were significantly different from southern (below 43 degrees) populations. The northern cluster was more heterogeneous than the southern cluster, possibly reflecting holocyclic versus anholocyclic reproduction. Microgeographic scales of phylloxera genetic structure displayed as much variation within as among host plants. The host plant did not affect the genetic structure of European phylloxera as revealed in two independent experiments.     

(A)sexual reproduction – a review of life cycles of grape phylloxera, Daktulosphaira vitifoliae

Since its emergence as a pest of grapevine about 150 years ago, studies on the life cycle and mode of reproduction of grape phylloxera ( Daktulosphaira vitifoliae Fitch) (Homoptera: Phylloxeridae) have been of considerable scientific interest and importance for applied viticulture. The life cycle of grape phylloxera, as described in the mid to late nineteenth century, is still subject to discussion and confusion. In this article, we aim to provide for the first time an overview of the reported life cycle strategies of grape phylloxera by summarizing documented observations, the results of controlled field and laboratory assays, and the results of molecular genetic analyses. Thus, we present a detailed morphological comparison of grape phylloxera morphs and provide clarification of these by suggesting a simplified nomenclature as well as revising errors found in the published literature. Moreover, recent molecular markers studies, which further enhance our understanding of the impact of sexual recombination on grape phylloxera, are described and discussed.     

根瘤蚜侵染对不同抗性葡萄品种根系超微结构的影响

【目的】探讨不同抗性葡萄品种对葡萄根瘤蚜Daktulosphaira vitifolia Fitch侵染后的组织结构响应。【方法】以砧木140Ru (Vitis rupestris×V. berlandieri)和栽培品种赤霞珠Vitis vinifera cv. Cabernet Sauvignon离体三级根及140Ru盆栽苗为试材接种根瘤蚜卵, 接种两周后取刺吸位点组织作超薄切片并观察超微结构变化, 取盆栽140Ru不同时期根结测定多酚含量。【结果】超微结构显示, 砧木140Ru根系周皮层最外层细胞壁的厚度（1 031.25 nm）及周皮层细胞层数（6～7层）显著高于赤霞珠品种的周皮层细胞厚度（543.75 nm）及层数（3～4层）, 140Ru根系韧皮部酚类物质含量比赤霞珠高出35％; 侵染后, 砧木140Ru周皮层细胞第3层以内的细胞壁加厚并积聚大量的多酚类物质, 140Ru葡萄新根被根瘤蚜侵染后多酚含量呈升高趋势, 在接种20 d时是对照的2.4倍; 赤霞珠粗根被根瘤蚜侵染后薄壁细胞中细胞质变浓, 出现大量淀粉粒, 线粒体及内质网数量增多。【结论】砧木140Ru的周皮层组织结构较赤霞珠不利于根瘤蚜口针穿刺, 被根瘤蚜侵染后发生了不利于根瘤蚜侵染取食的变化。     

Emergence of Eucalyptus marginata (jarrah) from seed in Mediterranean-climate forest in response to overstorey,site, seedbed and seed harvesting

Abstract The effects of overstorey, type of site, seedbed, seeding date and seed harvesting by vertebrates and invertebrates on the emergence of Eucalyptus marginata (jarrah) seedlings were studied experimentally in the northern jarrah forest of Western Australia. Seed harvesting by small vertebrates substantially reduced emergence, whereas invertebrates only slightly reduced emergence. Ninety per cent of seed was removed within 1 day when it was on the soil surface and in the open, whereas seed removal was insignificant when the seed was covered by soil. Vertebrates harvested seed more effectively when the understorey and litter were removed and the seed was more visible on the soil surface. Seed harvesting by small vertebrates had less impact on a site where there had been bauxite mining, possibly because the surrounding area was being revegetated with large numbers of seed and the area afforded poor cover for vertebrates. Emergence was less where the overstorey was removed compared to where it was retained, and on the rehabilitated bauxite mined site compared to the forest sites. There was no difference in emergence between the low and high quality forest sites and so the emergence phase could not fully explain the variation in abundance off. marginata seedlings on different quality sites. Post emergence events are likely to be important in explaining this difference between low and high quality sites.     

An assessment method for the quantification of Daktulosphaira vitifoliae (Fitch) (Hem., Phylloxeridae) populations in the field

Abstract:  Grape phylloxera is a plant parasite that has started to become a pest again in European viticulture in spite of the use of grafted rootstocks. Since the middle of the 1980s, there have been various reports of vine damage caused by phylloxera. It was shown that in some cases there is no direct correlation between the occurrence of phylloxera and vine damage. In this context, phytopathogenic microorganisms, especially fungi, are mentioned in literature. To investigate the possible interactions it is necessary to be able to assess phylloxera populations in the field, e.g. to correlate phylloxera abundance with the vigour of the vines. Because of the non-homogenous distribution of the grape roots in the soil and of phylloxera on the roots, a method that meets these conditions was established. For the root sampling, a method that ensures reproducible numbers and a high probability of root detection was developed. The second component of the method is a ranking system for the visual assessment of the populations. For the validation of the assessment system, the absolute number of phylloxera feeding sites, all phylloxera instars and phylloxera eggs were related to the weight of fresh and dry roots. The statistical analysis has shown a significant differentiation between the assessment classes (P ≤ 0.01). Furthermore, a correlation ( R ² = 0.732) between the phylloxera populations, assessed with this method, and soil temperatures could be shown. Such a correlation was shown in various studies and, therefore, supports the validity of the assessment system presented in this paper.     

Fine-scale genetic structure of grape phylloxera from the roots and leaves of Vitis

Patterns of variation at microsatellite loci suggest that root populations of the pest grape phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae) are largely parthenogenetic in Australian vineyards. To investigate reproduction in leaf galling phylloxera and the association between these individuals and phylloxera on roots, we examined in detail genetic variation in phylloxera from a vineyard block. Some genotypes found on leaf galls within this block were not present on roots, whereas others spanned both zones. There was no evidence that genotypes on roots were the product of sexual reproduction in leaf galls. mtDNA variation was not associated with the location of the phylloxera clones. The spatial distribution of genotypes within a root population was further investigated by intensively sampling phylloxera from another vineyard block. Join-count spatial autocorrelation statistics were used to explore fine-scale spatial structure. Clones were nonrandomly distributed within the block and there was evidence that the distribution of clones followed rows. These findings suggest firstly that there is limited dispersal of root and leaf feeding phylloxera, and secondly that factors, other than vine host, are likely to be important and contribute to clonal structure within populations.     

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

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.     

Biological control of spider mites on grape by phytoseiid mites (Acari: Tetranychidae,Phytoseiidae): emphasis on regional aspects

Leaf samples were taken from 34 (1998) and 10 (1999) vineyards in five valleys in western Oregon to assess spider mite pests and biological control by predaceous phytoseiid mites. A leaf at a coordinate of every 10 m of border, 5 m into a vineyard, was taken to minimize edge effects; 20 leaves were taken at regular intervals from vineyard centers. Variables recorded at each site included grape variety and plant age, chemicals used, and vegetation next to vineyards. Sites were rated as occurring in agricultural versus riparian settings based on surrounding vegetation types. Multiple linear regressions and a computer genetic algorithm with an information content criterion were used to assess variables that may explain mite abundances. Typhlodromus pyri Scheuten was the dominant phytoseiid mite species and Tetranychus urticae Koch the dominant tetranychid mite species. High levels of T. urticae occurred when phytoseiid levels were low, and low levels of T. urticae were present when phytoseiid levels were high to moderate. T. urticae densities were higher in vineyards surrounded by agriculture, but phytoseiid levels did not differ between agricultural and riparian sites. Phytoseiids had higher densities on vineyard edges; T. urticae densities were higher in centers. Biological control success of pest mites was rated excellent in 11 of 44 vineyards, good in 27, and poor in only six sites. Predaceous mites appeared to be the principal agents regulating spider mites at low levels in sites where pesticides nontoxic to predators were used. Effects of surrounding vegetation, grape variety, growing region, and other factors on mites are discussed.     

部分葡萄品种和砧木抗葡萄根瘤蚜性能鉴定

为了检测我国葡萄品种和砧木对中国生态型葡萄根瘤蚜Daktulosphaira viticola (Fitch) 的抗性,在实验室条件下采用离体根接种法鉴定了10个葡萄砧木、18个葡萄栽培品种,测定了根瘤蚜存活率、发育历期、产卵量、种群龄期结构指数和成虫大小等指标。结果表明： 砧木品种SO4,5BB,1103P,420A,Lot,101-14MG,3309C,140Ru和110R抗根瘤蚜,接种后蚜虫陆续死亡,尤其是SO4,5BB,1103P和420A对根瘤蚜高抗,使根瘤蚜滞育仅发育至1龄。我国当作砧木使用的贝达不抗根瘤蚜,接种后蚜虫存活率始终保持在38.82％～47.5%,日产卵量达9.01;欧美杂交种中的康克、康拜尔和卡它巴对根瘤蚜稍有抗性,根瘤蚜日产卵量在6.00～6.85粒之间,其中康克、康拜尔葡萄上蚜虫的存活率随时间的延长而明显降低,由最初的60％下降至25％～30％; 欧美杂交种中的黑虎香和白香蕉虽然在一定程度上能够限制根瘤蚜的存活和发育进程,但对根瘤蚜的繁殖量没有影响。所有供试欧亚种和欧美杂交种的栽培品种都对根瘤蚜高度敏感,接种后第29 d 蚜虫存活率仍保持在40％～60％,且前后变化较小,日产卵量变化于7～12.35粒之间,总产卵量均在190粒以上。由此可见,我国供试栽培品种均不抗根瘤蚜,在根瘤蚜疫区需要用抗性砧木嫁接苗建园。     

Grapes, galls, and geography: the distribution of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA variation across host-plant species and regions in a specialist herbivore

Studies of patterns of molecular variation in natural populations can provide important insights into a number of evolutionary problems. Among these, the question of whether geographic factors are more important than ecological factors in promoting population differentiation and ultimately speciation has been an important and contentious area in evolutionary biology. Systems involving herbivorous insects have played a leading role in this discussion. This study examined the distribution of molecular variation in a highly specialized gall-forming insect, grape phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae Fitch), that is found on both sympatric and allopatric host-plant species of the genus Vitis. In addition, the relationship of insects in the introduced range in the United States to ancestral populations in the native range was examined. Evidence for differentiation along host-plant lines from both nuclear (RAPD) and mitochondrial (COI) DNA was confounded with the effect of geography. Differentiation was found where hosts were allopatric or parapatric, but no evidence was found for such differentiation on two hosts, V. vulpina and V. aestivalis, that are broadly sympatric. The question of population differentiation onto these sympatric hosts can be considered to be resolved--it has not occurred in spite of a long history of association. Evidence was equivocal, but suggestive of a period of divergence in allopatry prior to reestablishment of contact, for insects associated with another host plant species, V. cinerea, found in both sympatric and parapatric populations. A low level of diversity and placement of samples collected from the grape species V. riparia at the tip of a phylogenetic tree supports the hypothesis that this host has been recently colonized from populations from the Mississippi Valley. A polyphyletic origin for biotype B grape phylloxera was supported: Although most samples collected from vineyards in the introduced range in California had similar haplotypes, they were closely related to natives on V. vulpina from the Atlantic Coast-Piedmont region. All samples collected from vineyards in Oregon and Washington were closely related to natives on V. riparia in the northern United States.     

Preference and performance responses of California grape phylloxera to different Vitis rootstocks

Laboratory experiments on host preference and performance were simultaneously conducted with Cabernet Sauvignon, AXR#1, and 5C Vitis rootstocks for the California biotypes A and B grape phylloxera. Preference bioassays recorded over a 3-day period indicated that phylloxera exhibit differential host choice. AXR#1 is antixenotic to biotype A, and 5C is antixenotic to both phylloxera biotypes. Preferences observed with biotype B for Cabernet Sauvignon and AXR#1 were not statistically different, whereas biotype A had shown a significant preference for Cabernet Sauvignon. On 5C the preferences scored were significantly lower than on either of the other two rootstocks, and there was no significant difference beetween biotypes. Performance bioassays recorded over a 29-day period indicated that survival, development, and reproduction of both biotypes were affected by Vitis rootstock. Both biotypes were unable to survive or develop on 5C suggesting the presence of antibiotic resistance in 5C against these phylloxera biotypes. The antibiotic effects observed with AXR#1 against biotype A were expressed as significant reductions in survival, development, and reproduction. Performance of biotype B on AXR#1 was similar to its performance on Cabernet Sauvignon. For both AXR#1 and 5C rootstocks and both phylloxera biotypes A and B the antibiotic mechanism was considerably stronger than the antixenotic mechanism. This research indicated that host preference and performance are positively correlated in grape phylloxera with the rootstocks and phylloxera biotypes tested.     

Performance of native grape phylloxera on host plants within and among terrestrial islands in Arizona, USA

In Arizona, USA, the canyon grape, Vitis arizonica Englemann, and grape phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae Fitch, Homoptera, Phylloxeridae) are distributed among mountain ranges that are surrounded by expanses of desert lacking Vitis habitat, thus forming a system of terrestrial islands. Both herbivore and host populations may have diverged genetically among mountain ranges under the influence of restricted gene flow and variable selection among sites. Herbivore adaptation to local hosts would be expected to ensue, with the potential to promote divergence, both in traits under selection and by further reducing the probability of interisland colonization. To test the hypothesis that phylloxera are adapted to local hosts, demographic components of fitness of field-collected native grape phylloxera were measured in the greenhouse on vines of V. arizonica that were categorized as either natal, neighboring, and or isolated hosts. There was no evidence for greater adaptation to natal or neighboring hosts but there were significant interactions between herbivore and host treatments in one experiment. There was genetic variation for gall formation among six clones tested. Though a failure to detect local adaptation could have resulted from low statistical power, benign experimental conditions, or inadequate genetic variation, the divergence of isolated grape populations is suggested to have been insufficient to promote local adaptation in grape phylloxera at the level of isolated mountain ranges. It is further suggested that, within populations, adaptation to individual host plants could be forestalled by selection for ’general purpose genotypes’ through wind-borne displacement of colonizers into the unpredictable environment of a heterogeneous array of hosts. In addition, short-term extinction/colonization dynamics could promote gene flow such that time is insufficient for adaptive mutations or gene combination to arise. Received: 26 December 1998 / Accepted: 24 May 1999     

外源水杨酸和茉莉酸诱导巨峰葡萄抗根瘤蚜

【目的】水杨酸和茉莉酸在植物诱导防御虫害反应中发挥着重要作用。本研究旨在探讨水杨酸和茉莉酸诱导葡萄对根瘤蚜的抗性。【方法】以盆栽巨峰为试材,在接种葡萄根瘤蚜Daktulosphaira vitifoliae的同时喷施水杨酸和茉莉酸,测定和评估了对根瘤蚜生长发育及产卵量的影响,以及对葡萄根系抗氧化相关酶［过氧化物酶(POD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT）］活性、丙二醛（MDA）含量、新梢生长量及光合速率的影响。【结果】水杨酸和茉莉酸诱导处理显著降低了根瘤蚜卵量及下代1,2龄若蚜总数,接种35 d后根瘤蚜的产卵量分别减少了41.35％和50.00％,1龄和2龄若蚜总数分别减少了42.31％和50.00％;根瘤蚜侵染后根系中POD和CAT活性均呈先升高后降低的趋势,且水杨酸和茉莉酸诱导处理在各测定时期均高于仅接种根瘤蚜处理;水杨酸和茉莉酸处理的根系中MDA含量在各测定时期均低于仅接种根瘤蚜处理;水杨酸和茉莉酸处理降低了根瘤蚜侵染对植株地上部生长及光合的抑制。接种处理后第30天,仅接种根瘤蚜处理的植株地上部生长量减少了48.11%,光合速率降低了58.77％,而水杨酸和茉莉酸处理后的新梢生长量分别减少了31.57％和25.71％,光合速率分别降低了32.89％和24.67％。【结论】叶片喷洒茉莉酸和水杨酸能够降低根瘤蚜种群密度,并提高葡萄根系活性氧清除能力和防御酶活性,缓解树势衰退。     

Locating the sources of an invasive pest,grape phylloxera,using a mitochondrial DNA gene genealogy

Range expansions through human introductions have increased with global commerce and have led to the extinction of native species, alterations in community structure and pest status of the invasive species. Inferring the evolutionary history of invasive species can help to build a firmer footing for management tactics. This study used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence comparisons of samples collected from the native and introduced ranges of a pest herbivore of cultivated grapes, grape phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae Fitch, Phylloxeridae) to infer the sources and pattern of introductions into worldwide viticulture. Introductions into viticulture from its native North American range first occurred in the mid-19th century. The pattern of spread has suggested a focus of introduction into France, but independent introductions may have occurred elsewhere. The results show that the introduced population represents a limited subsample of the native genetic diversity. The data suggest that most grape phylloxera in viticulture, including all European, have originated in the northeastern USA where the grape species Vitis riparia dominates. There was evidence for independent introductions into South Africa and California. Most California haplotypes were most closely related to native grape phylloxera from the Atlantic Coast on V. vulpina. It is likely that subsequent spread from California into Australia, New Zealand and Peru has occurred.     

Association of entomophilic rhabditoid nematode populations with natural control of first-instar larvae of the grape root borer,Vitacea polistiformis,in concord grape vineyards

Four Concord grape vineyards in Georgia were examined to determine the levels of infestation by the grape root borer, Vitacea polistiformis. Additionally, the soil at each vineyard site was assayed to determine relative levels of entomophilic rhabditoid nematode activity. An inverse correlation was shown to exist between severity of V. polistiformis infestation and activity of the entomophilic rhabditoid nematode fauna in the vineyard soils. Laboratory and field bioassays determined the susceptibility of first-instar grape root borer to the entomophilic rhabditoid nematode, Neoaplectana carpocapsae. This insect-nematode interaction was posited as a mechanism of natural control of grape root borer populations. Augmentation of entomophilic rhabditoid nematode populations during the critical period of oviposition and eclosion is suggested as a preventative control technique for V. polistiformis.