Frequently Asked Questions
About Phylloxera- Q. What is phylloxera? show answer ›
- A. Phylloxera is a tiny yellow aphid-like insect that destroys grapevines by killing their roots. ‹ hide answer
- Q. Why is it so bad for vineyards? show answer ›
- A. It kills vines and can't be removed from vineyards once established. ‹ hide answer
- Q. Where does phylloxera originate? show answer ›
- A. Phylloxera is native to eastern and southern USA, where it lives on native American vines (not grapevines). ‹ hide answer
- Q. Where is phylloxera present in the world? show answer ›
- A. Phylloxera is in every wine producing country in the world except Chile. In Australia, phylloxera is only found in small areas of central and north eastern Victoria and the south east of New South Wales. See map in Regulations section. ‹ hide answer
- Q. How is phylloxera spread? show answer ›
- A. Phylloxera is spread by machinery, people, vehicles, grapes and vine planting material moving from infested to non-infested vineyards. It does spread naturally but only over small distances. Human activities are by far the most likely way the pest could be spread to non-infested vineyards. ‹ hide answer
- Q. How do phylloxera insects reproduce? show answer ›
- A. The adults are all female and are able to reproduce asexually. One adult female is capable of laying up to 200 eggs at a time, and has several breeding cycles each year. This means only one insect is needed to infest a vineyard. ‹ hide answer
- Q. How does phylloxera kill vines? show answer ›
- A. The phylloxera insect lives and feeds on the roots of grapevines, gradually destroying the root system. Secondary fungal infections can occur as the roots deteriorate. The vine declines and eventually it dies. ‹ hide answer
- Q. Is there a cure for phylloxera? show answer ›
- A. There are currently no effective chemical treatments, no biological controls and it is virtually impossible to eradicate phylloxera.
The only effective measure for dealing with phylloxera is to replant on resistant rootstocks. ‹ hide answer
Detection- Q. When is the best time to look for phylloxera? show answer ›
- A. The best time is between December and April when phylloxera is actively breeding. ‹ hide answer
- Q. If phylloxera is ever found in South Australia what will happen? show answer ›
- A. The Phylloxera and Grape Industry Board and Primary Industries and Resources SA (PIRSA) have developed a plan for managing an outbreak. All vineyards within a 5km radius of the infestation site would be quarantined. A phylloxera outbreak in South Australia would cost the grape and wine industries millions of dollars, and destroy hundreds of people's livelihoods. ‹ hide answer
Prevention- Q. What are phylloxera resistant rootstocks? show answer ›
- A. Native North American vines that have grown up with phylloxera are resistant to the damage it causes. These are used as rootstocks, with the winegrape variety grafted on to them. Phylloxera insects can still live and feed on the roots, but the vines continue to thrive and produce grapes. ‹ hide answer
- Q. What can a grower do to prevent phylloxera? show answer ›
- A. The best way for a grower to prevent phylloxera is to adopt best practice protocols. See section on Protocols. ‹ hide answer
|
