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Grape Phylloxera Genetic Structure Reveals Root-Leaf Migration within Commercial Vineyards
Jurrian Wilmink1,2, Michael Breuer1, Astrid Forneck2
1Department of Biology, State Institute of Viticulture and Enology, Merzhauser Str. 119, 79100 Freiburg, Germany.
Insects
|August 27, 2021
Summary
Grape phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae) leaf populations originate from root migrations, not solely wind-drifted sources. This migration can lead to genetic bottlenecks in commercial vineyards, impacting population structure.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Viticulture
- Genetics
Background:
- Grape phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae) is a significant pest affecting grapevines.
- Leaf-feeding populations can arise from asexual reproduction or sexual recombination.
- The origin of foliar phylloxera in commercial vineyards, whether from root-feeding or wind-drifted sources, remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the genetic structure of grape phylloxera populations in commercial vineyards.
- To determine if leaf-feeding phylloxera are genetically distinct from root-feeding or wind-drifted populations.
- To compare population structures from different infestation scenarios and native North American populations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized seven SSR markers to analyze the genetic structure of phylloxera populations.
- Compared populations from commercial vineyards with varying infestation scenarios and single-plant systems.
- Examined phylloxera populations during the vegetation period to understand life cycle migration.
- Compared vineyard populations with those from their native North American habitat using four microsatellite markers.
Main Results:
- Phylloxera populations predominantly migrate from roots to leaves via asexual reproduction during the growing season.
- Root populations within commercial vineyards contribute to leaf populations, causing founder effects or biotype selection.
- Wind-drifted foliar populations from external sources result in higher genotypic diversity.
- Significant differences were observed when comparing vineyard populations to those in North America.
Conclusions:
- Grape phylloxera leaf populations in commercial vineyards are primarily established by root-to-leaf migration within the vineyard.
- This internal migration process can lead to genetic bottlenecks and reduced diversity.
- Understanding phylloxera population genetics is crucial for effective pest management strategies in viticulture.
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