The distribution of Xiphinema index and other parasitic nematodes associated with grapevines in north-eastern Victoria

Abstract

Twenty-four vineyards in north-eastern Victoria were surveyed in 1969 for the presence of plant parasitic nematodes; in particular for Xiphinema index the vector of grape fanleaf virus (GFV). Eight genera were recorded, the most prevalent being Paratylenchus and Xiphinema (37 per cent and 32 per cent respectively, of all samples). X. index was present in nine vineyards, and 10 per cent of all samples. A more detailed survey was made in 1970 of those vineyards in which X. index was known to be present. X. index was found in 50 per cent of samples, and 74 per cent of all samples contained Xiphinema species. Ninety vines from X. index-positive samples on two vineyards were tested for presence of virus. Although no symptoms of virus infection were evident in the field, 52 per cent of vines were shown to be infected with latent strains of GFV. All X. index-infested vineyards are within a radius of 10 km of Rutherglen. It is not known how long X. index has been present, but its introduction was probably from southern France in the 1890s together with Phylloxera resistant rootstocks.