Nematodes in Western Australian vineyards: A study by Professor Franco Lamberti, visiting scientist

Abstract

Nematodes in Western Australian vineyards: A study by Professor Franco Lamberti, visiting scientist

Summary

Nematologist Professor Franco Lamberti (Institute of Agricultural Nematology, Bari, Italy) spent one month of 2003 in Western Australia conducting a survey of vineyards to identify nematode genera and species. One hundred and thirty four sites were sampled, covering all the major vine- growing areas of the State.

Root Knot Nematode (RKN, Meloidogyne spp.) was detected in 31% of the vineyards sampled. Fourteen of the vineyards showed obvious symptoms of decline, and these were all infested with RKN. On adjacent areas where vine decline was not apparent, RKN was not detected or was present at only low levels. RKN was more likely to occur on sandy soils, but economic damage was also observed on gravelly or loamy soils. RKN was present on land that had been used previously for horticultural production. The Root Knot Nematode was found on properties in all of the regions investigated.

Xiphinema (Dagger Nematode) was detected in 20% of the vineyards sampled. Xiphinema index, which is a vector for the devastating Grapevine Fan Leaf Virus (GFLV), was not detected in any of the samples. Other Xiphinema species were observed in samples from all regions, though the presence of these species was not obviously associated with a decline in vine performance. The economic importance of these species to vines in Western Australia is uncertain.

Pratylenchus (Root Lesion Nematode, RLN) was observed in extracts from some of the soil samples although levels were considered too low to cause significant economic damage. However, several species of Root Lesion Nematode have been associated with vine damage in Australia, and these nematodes would need to be considered further if levels were to increase.