Phylloxera resistant rootstocks

Introduction and overview

The aim of this section is to provide growers, viticulturists and winemakers with up-to-date information on rootstocks; their benefits and the factors that should be considered when choosing a rootstock for a particular site. The information has been compiled from scientific research, anecdotal information and field observations from both Australia and overseas.

Sections:

• About rootstocks provides readers with information on the relationship between rootstocks and phylloxera as well as statistics on current rootstock use in South Australia.
• Choosing a rootstock contains all the information required for a grower to make an informed choice on which rootstock(s) are best suited to their site and individual requirements.
• Rootstock characteristics contains detailed information on the performance characteristics of all the commonly available and recommended varieties of rootstock in Australia.
• Regional rootstock data provides a summary of information on rootstock performance collected from South Australian vineyards between 2004 and 2007.
• SA rootstock research trials gives updates on data collected from research trials currently being undertaken in various regions in SA.
• Rootstock literature includes a comprehensive list of reference articles related to rootstock performance, an on-line searchable database of Australian rootstock literature, and the proceedings of the 2008 National Rootstock Forum.

Nematode Project

The root knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) is a highly damaging pest to grapevine cultivars (own roots or susceptible rootstocks) on which it is able to feed and reproduce. The Meloidogyne species are the most widespread and economically-important plant parasitic nematodes of grapevines in South Australia (Walker 1997).

The Phylloxera and Grape Industry Board have developed a series of factsheets in conjunction with Dr Greg Walker, Nematologist from SARDI on how to sample for nematodes in your vineyard and information about this damaging pest.

Click here to access information on Nematodes.

Click here to access information on how to sample Nematodes.

Preliminary reports on previous work on Nematodes can be accessed Click here

2008 Barossa young viticulturalist fellowship award final report

In 2008, Catherine Cox, the Board's Rootstock Project Manager, won the Barossa young viticulturist award to support her project "The effect of water stress on the performance of grafted vines with an emphasis on wine quality".

The project objectives were to determine the drought tolerance of grafted vines grown in the Barossa under conditions of water stress and examine the implications water stress has for wine quality - a subject pertinent to grape growers, viticulturlists and winemakers faced with ongoing drought and water shortages.

The final report of the project was recently submitted to the project sponsors.

Click here to see the 2008 Fellowship Report.

Any specific information requests can be made by contacting the Rootstock Project Manager, Catherine Cox.