Interaction of Phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae Fitch) with Grape (Vitis spp.) in Simple Isolation Chambers

Abstract

A greenhouse-based system to evaluate Daktulosphaira vitifoliae (Fitch) performance on various host plants was modified. Two parthenogenetic generations could be continuously observed and the numbers of reproductive adults and feeding sites (nodosities) determined. Phylloxera performance could be separated into three types. The standard type produced increased numbers of reproducing adults within the first two generations. The second type performed significantly better in the colonizing generation (G₁) than the standard type, but had declining reproduction in the second generation (G₂). The third type exhibited standard reproduction in G₁, but significantly faster and higher reproduction in G₂. The isolation chambers were built from 2 L clear plastic water bottles with fine silk-screen tops. These chambers produce quarantine conditions for phylloxera populations, allow continuous monitoring, produce rapid results, and allow inexpensive study of phylloxera performance on selected host plants. Furthermore, the chambers provide the isolation necessary to maintain and rear single-founder phylloxera lines under laboratory conditions.