Abstract

The distribution pattern of Meloidogyne spp. (root-knot nematodes, RKN) was studied in five vineyards in three locations in South Australia. Nematodes were extracted from soil samples at two depths (0–300 and 300–600 mm) for each of five positions; three along the vine row, one under cover crops and one next to cover crops in the inter-row. RKN were found to be aggregated along the vine rows. The highest RKN population was found in samples taken close to vines, especially at about 100 mm from the vine base, and the second highest was in the row between two vines. No significant difference was found between RKN population levels at the two soil depths. RKN populations under cover crops were significantly lower than in the vine rows. It is concluded that core samples for quantification of RKN population in vineyards should be collected only along the rows. To standardise the procedure for RKN, it is recommended that soil samples should be collected about 100 mm from the vine to a depth of 300 mm. The effect of cover crops on RKN populations in vineyard is discussed.