Clonal reproduction and population genetic structure of grape phylloxera, Daktulosphaira vitifoliae, in Australia
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Propagation of Homalodisca coagulata virus-01 via Homalodisca vitripennis Cell Culture
Published on: September 25, 2014
A M Corrie1, R H Crozier, R Van Heeswijck
1Centre for Environmental Stress and Adaptation Research, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia. A.Corrie@latrobe.edu.au
Abstract:
The grape phylloxera, Daktulosphaira vitifoliae, is a viticultural pest that in the past has devastated vineyards worldwide, yet little is known about this insect's biology. The genetic structure of Australian populations of grape phylloxera and its mode of reproduction were studied following the development of four polymorphic microsatellite loci. Insects were collected from 28 vineyards, with a total of 361 insects included in the study. The majority of vineyards were infested by functionally parthenogenetic lineages of grape phylloxera that inhabit the root system and there was little support for the traditionally described holocyclic life cycle for this species. Clonal diversity was limited in all of the vineyard regions, with the exception of the Rutherglen region. A multiple founder scenario or occasional sex may contribute to diversity within the Rutherglen region. Leaf galling populations comprised classes distinct from the common genotypic classes identified on the roots, suggesting limited exchange between these groups. Implications for the management of D. vitifoliae are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift
Pollination and Flower Structure
Asexual Reproduction
Gene Flow
Evolutionary Relationships through Genome Comparisons

