Evaluation of Nematode Resistant Grape Rootstock for Managing Mesocriconema xenoplax

Authors: Schreiner, Roger - Paul; Pinkerton, John; Bryla, David

Submitted to: Northwest Center for Small Fruit Research Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/25/2007
Publication Date: 11/29/2007
Citation: Schreiner, R.P., Pinkerton, J.N., Bryla, D.R. 2007. Evaluation of nematode resistant grape rootstock for managing Mesocriconema xenoplax. Northwest Center for Small Fruit Research Proceedings. p. 27-29.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The objective of this study is to better understand the impact of the ring nematode, Mesocriconema xenoplax, on the productivity and physiology of grapevines grafted onto different rootstocks that showed varying resistance to ring nematodes under greenhouse conditions. Pinot noir grapevines (grafted onto 5 rootstocks or self-rooted) were pruned to 2 buds in early March of 2007 to begin their second year of growth in microplots (25 gallon pot-in-pot). Six vines in each rootstock treatment have been infested or not with ring nematodes. All plots received ample water throughout the summer, by maintaining soil moisture above 15% volumetric water content. Prune weights from the 2006 season averaged 191 g per vine and were not affected by either rootstock or nematode treatments. In the fall of 2006, both self-rooted and vines on 3309C had greater fine root lengths than 1103P, 110R and 101-14 with 420A being intermediate. Colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi was not affected by either rootstock or nematodes in 2006. Nematode populations are increasing in the infested plots of different rootstocks in a manner consistent with prior greenhouse trials with ring nematodes. In fall of 2006 and in summer of 2007, ring nematode populations were highest in the self-rooted plots, intermediate in 1103P and 3309C, and lowest in 420A, 101-14 and 110R plots. Despite these differences in nematode populations in different rootstock treatments, no physiological effects of nematodes or rootstocks have been found on above-ground vine parameters in 2007. However, fine root mass of the self-rooted vines was reduced in nematode infested plots as compared to the noninfested controls, while other rootstocks were not affected by nematodes. Soil respiration also was significantly affected by an interaction between nematodes and rootstocks. Self-rooted vines with nematodes had greater soil respiration rates than those without nematodes.