Phytoparasitic nematodes as the major threat to viticulture

Abstract

Grape plants (Vitis vinifera L.), like other major horticultural crops, suffer from attacks by plant pathogenic nematodes. These parasites are a serious burden for viticulturists all over the world and lead to reduced vine vigour and crop yield. The major nematode parasites infesting grapevines include Meloidogyne spp., Pratylenchus spp., Criconemella spp., Tylenchulus spp., Helicotylenchus spp., Heterodera spp. etc. Besides these genera, some nematode genera like Xiphinema, Paralongidorus and Longidorus are known to transmit viral diseases in grapevines, as they act as vectors to many viruses e.g. grapevine fanleaf virus. These pathogenic nematodes are becoming an important element affecting vine health, vigour and productivity. The present paper provides a brief overview of the diversity of phytoparasitic nematodes parasitizing vineyards, some viruses transmitted to grapevines via these parasitic nematodes and also outlines the management practices like crop rotation, hot water treatment, use of biological agents as well as use of organic amendments in controlling phytoparasitic nematodes in general.