Root phylloxeration in vineyards: impacts on Vitis vinifera under drought stress conditions

Abstract

Root phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae) infestation poses a persistent threat to viticulture, yet its latent form (characterized by minimal above-ground symptoms) remains poorly understood, especially under drought stress exacerbated by climate change. The interaction between abiotic (drought) and biotic (phylloxera) stressors in this context is complex and not yet extensively studied. This research reviews the physiological and molecular effects of latent root phylloxeration on Vitis vinifera cultivars subjected to controlled drought conditions.

We use a semi-controlled experimental design to monitor eco-physiological parameters and plant/fruit quality of grapevines (V. vin. Pinot Noir/5BB) under changing water regimes. Here we present an insight into our pot grown trials using V. vinifera.

First results show that stress regulation is dynamic (and complex), depending on time, and stress severity. Vines with root phylloxeration showed effects on the stomatal conductance, decreased photosynthetic efficiency, and impaired root hydraulic conductance compared to non-infested control. Further work is underway. 

Research on combined abiotic and biotic stress remains a high priority in order to further develop methods for plant stress signal tracking, followed by stress quantification and validation in the grapevine. This is a pre-requisite for integrated monitoring and management strategies for phylloxerated vineyards tailored to drought-prone viticultural regions.