ROOTSTOCK VARIETY INFLUENCE ON PIERCES DISEASE SYMPTOMS IN GRAFTED CHARDONNAY AND CABERNET SAUVIGNON (VITIS VINIFERA L.) GRAPEVINES

• Author(s): Cousins, Peter; Lu, Jiang; Ren, Zhongbo;
• Abstract: Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are Vitis vinifera scion varieties that are susceptible to Pierces disease (PD). We evaluated the effect of rootstock variety on PD symptom expression in these varieties grown in a vineyard with high natural PD pressure and abundant vectors. No rootstock completely eliminates PD symptoms in the susceptible scions. However, rootstocks differ in the level of PD symptoms in the susceptible scions grafted to them and the percentage of vines bearing fruit varies with rootstock variety. Rootstocks appear to contribute to PD management in susceptible scion varieties, but are not independently capable of rescuing susceptible scions. Evaluation of PD management practices should emphasize vineyard testing to encourage the efficient identification and development of field suitable techniques and methods.
• Publication Date: Aug 2003
• Journal: 2003 Pierce's Disease Research Symposium