Distribution of parasitic nematodes in vineyards in central and north-eastern Victoria

Abstract

A survey of 16 1 vineyards in central and north-eastern Victoria determined the distribution of plant parasitic nematodes, particularly Xiphinema index, a vector of grapevine fanleaf virus. From the North-Central and Geelong Vine Disease Districts respectively, 185 and 3 soil samples were collected between 1978 and 1982. Fifteen genera of stylet-bearing nematodes were found, and those of known or suspected economic importance were Helicotylenchus (found in 24% of samples), Pratylenchus (21%), Xiphinema ( 13%), Criconemella (8%), Longidorus (7%) and Paratrichodorus (2%) . X. index was found in three samples from two vineyards, both within 10 km of Rutherglen in north-eastern Victoria. Neither Meloidogyne javanica nor Tylenchulus semipenetrans were detected, although both are common in other viticultural areas of Victoria.