Studies of the resistance of grapes (Vitis spp.) to phylloxera (daktulosphaira vitifoliae)

Abstract

The phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae Fitch) resistance of 5 rootstocks (Vitis spp. hybrids) and a V. vinifera variety (Muller Thurgau) was assessed in a glasshouse evaluation. The use of glass-sided containers permitted observation of rate of infection and phylloxera-root interactions. Muller Thurgau was extremely susceptible to phylloxera infection, high population levels, and severe root damage. Few phylloxera survived on 5BB, S04, and 1202C rootstocks and no significant root damage occurred at feeding sites demonstrating the existence of antibiosis to the insect and a physiological root tolerance of feeding. These stocks can be classed as highly resistant. Survival of phylloxera and root damage was very low on the roots of 1613C rootstock and although ARG 1 supported high numbers of phylloxera, little root damage was evident indicating a high level of tolerance to phylloxera feeding. © 1982 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.