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Pests
Phylloxera on Grape Vine Roots
Commonly affects: Vitis vinifera, V. labrusca (Grape)
The vine declines gradually over several seasons with reduced vigour and smaller fruit clusters, while roots show small yellowish nodules or galls when examined.
Potential Causes
- 1Phylloxera aphid-like insects feeding on root tissue, causing galls that disrupt nutrient and water uptake
- 2European grape varieties (Vitis vinifera) being highly susceptible when grown on their own roots
- 3Historically devastating to un-grafted vineyards worldwide
Solution Steps
- 1Plant vines grafted onto phylloxera-resistant American rootstock, the standard solution used worldwide since the 19th century
- 2There is no effective in-season treatment once phylloxera is established on own-rooted vines
- 3Avoid moving soil or plant material from infested areas to clean vineyards
- 4Consider American or resistant hybrid varieties in regions with severe phylloxera pressure
Prevention Tip
Nearly all commercial grapevines worldwide are now grafted onto phylloxera-resistant rootstock â this remains the only reliable long-term solution.
