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

• Author(s): Cousins, Peter; Lu, Jiang;
• Abstract: Rootstocks are already widely in use in viticulture to manage damage from soil-borne pests and provide adaptation to particular soils. Grape rootstocks can impact the symptom expression of diseased scions in at least one disease (fanleaf degeneration). In other crops, rootstock variety has been reported to impact expression of Xylella fastidiosa diseases in scions (He et al. 2000, Gould et al. 1991). Pierce (1905) reported that rootstock variety affected expression of "California vine disease" (now known as Pierce's disease) in grape. Grape rootstock trials in Mississippi showed a large effect of rootstock trial on vine longevity in a region recognized for high Pierces disease pressure (Loomis 1965, 1952, Magoon and Magness 1937). If grape rootstocks could contribute Pierces disease resistance or tolerance to their scions, this would be a major benefit to viticulture in Pierces disease prone areas. Elite wine, juice, and table grape varieties could be grown in areas where viticulture is currently restricted to Pierces disease resistant and tolerant varieties whose consumer appeal is low.
• Publication Date: Dec 2002
• Journal: 2002 Pierce's Disease Research Symposium