The relationship between grape phylloxera and Fusarium root infection

Abstract

Phylloxera seems to have key role in the fungal pathogen infection ratio while the fungal spread reduces the ability of phylloxera to reproduce. Intact roots of four-month-old grape plants were inoculated with phylloxera eggs in presence or absence of fungal pathogens. Fusarium solani SY7 infection was detected in all plant parts when grapevine roots were infested with phylloxera. The spread ratio of Fusarium solani SY7 increased from 74 to 100% of the infested plants with phylloxera. On the other hand, the phylloxera on F. solani SY7 infected roots were developed more slowly, since the nymphs and tuberosities were significantly decreased 49% and 31% respectively. The total plant biomass decreased to 29% in the presence of both F. solani SY 7 and phylloxera as compared to 9 and 17% in the presence of F. solani SY7 or phylloxera, respectively. This study sheds light on the correlation between fungi, phylloxera and grapevine and could help in the application of integrated pest management (IPM) programs against grape phylloxera.