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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Corvallis, Oregon » Horticultural Crops Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #317151
Title: Impact of grapevine (Vitis vinifera) varieties on reproduction of the northern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne hapla)

Author
item HOWLAND, AMANDA - University Of Missouri
item SKINKIS, PATTY - Oregon State University
item WILSON, JOHN - Washington State University
item RIGA, EKATERINI - Washington State University
item PINKERTON, JACK - Former ARS Employee
item Schreiner, Roger - Paul
item Zasada, Inga

Submitted to: Journal of Nematology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/9/2015
Publication Date: 6/2/2015
Citation: Howland, A.D., Skinkis, P.A., Wilson, J.H., Riga, E., Pinkerton, J.N., Schreiner, R.P., Zasada, I.A. 2015. Impact of grapevine (Vitis vinifera) varieties on reproduction of the northern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne hapla). Journal of Nematology. 47(2):141–147.

Interpretive Summary: One of the most commonly encountered plant-parasitic nematodes in eastern Washington Vitis vinifera vineyards is Meloidogyne hapla, the northern root-knot nematode. This nematode has the potential to reduce root biomass, vine vigor, and yield. Despite the widespread occurrence of this nematode in Washington vineyards, limited research exists on the biology of M. hapla and its impact on own-rooted V. vinifera. The objectives of this research were to determine the impact of M. hapla on Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon vine establishment and to determine the host status of V. vinifera varieties and clones predominantly grown in Washington for M. hapla. In a microplot experiment, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon vines were planted into soil inoculated with different densities of M. hapla (0, 50, 150, and 300 eggs/250 g soil) and population dynamics of M. hapla and vine performance were monitored over a three year period. In greenhouse experiments, several clones representing each of five V. vinifera varieties, Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah were evaluated as hosts for M. hapla. In both microplot and greenhouse experiments, white varieties were significantly better hosts than red varieties. In the greenhouse experiments, the white varieties Chardonnay and Riesling had 40% higher reproduction factor values (initial population/final population) than the red varieties Syrah and Merlot. In the microplot experiment, M. hapla eggs/g root were 4.5 times greater in Chardonnay compared to Cabernet Sauvignon. However, the greenhouse experiments showed that all of the V. vinifera varieties/clones screened were good hosts for M. hapla. In the microplot trial there was no evident impact of M. hapla on vine establishment based on seasonal pruning weights and final plant biomass.

Technical Abstract: Plant-parasitic nematodes are microscopic soil worms that attack the roots of grape plants and cause yield loss. One of the most commonly encountered plant-parasitic nematodes in eastern Washington Vitis vinifera vineyards is Meloidogyne hapla, the northern root-knot nematode. The selection of planting material is an important means of minimizing the impact of nematodes in vineyards. This research was conducted to determine whether grape varieties commonly planted in eastern Washington are hosts for the northern root-knot nematode. In experiments conducted in the greenhouse as well as in the field, it was discovered that white grape varieties are generally better hosts for this nematode than red grape varieties. These findings will help direct Washington grape growers in vine selection when replanting vineyards to minimize the impact of the northern root-knot nematode on vine establishment and productivity.