CURRENT PROJECTS
- Evaluation of Vitis rootstocks for host status for Meloidogyne hapla
- Application of trap and cover crops for the management of nematodes in wine grape vineyards
- Evaluation of litchi tomato, Solanum sisymbriifolium, for nematode management in wine grape vineyards
- Strategies for detection of ringspot viruses in dagger nematodes in small fruits and grapevines
- The $840 million small fruit industry in the PNW faces several phytosanitary risk scenarios, one of these is the emergent or re-emergent viruses transmitted by nematodes (nepoviruses). These viruses cause a negative effect as they induce yield and quality reduction as well as loss of vigor in small fruits and grapes. Early stages of the infection can remain hidden without obvious symptoms, but when they become evident, it may have already spread in the orchard or the vineyard. This is especially problematic in perennial crops when the virus is vectored by nematodes (Xiphinema spp.), due to long-term and challenging management practices.This research is focused on the development of detection methods for nepoviruses in their nematodes vector, both found in small fruit orchards and vineyards in the Pacific Northwest. For this we are:
- Surveying small fruits and wine grapes in the Pacific Northwest for Dagger nematode and nepoviruses
- Understanding the diversity of tomato ringspot virus (ToRSV) and developing RT-qPCR detection methods
- Developing in-house growth chamber cultures of dagger nematode harboring the virus
- Understanding the infection of ToRSV in cucumber bait plants
- The $840 million small fruit industry in the PNW faces several phytosanitary risk scenarios, one of these is the emergent or re-emergent viruses transmitted by nematodes (nepoviruses). These viruses cause a negative effect as they induce yield and quality reduction as well as loss of vigor in small fruits and grapes. Early stages of the infection can remain hidden without obvious symptoms, but when they become evident, it may have already spread in the orchard or the vineyard. This is especially problematic in perennial crops when the virus is vectored by nematodes (Xiphinema spp.), due to long-term and challenging management practices.This research is focused on the development of detection methods for nepoviruses in their nematodes vector, both found in small fruit orchards and vineyards in the Pacific Northwest. For this we are:
previous projects
Spatial distribution of plant-parasitic nematodes in semi-arid vineyards – In this project we determined the horizontal and vertical distribution of plant-parasitic nematodes in semi-arid vineyards. Our research demonstrates that nematodes are aggregated below emitters to a depth of 18 inches guiding sampling methodology as well as recommendations for directed treatments to manage nematodes. Results from this research can be found here.
Evaluation of own-rooted Vitis vinifera and Vitis rootstocks for host status for Meloidogyne hapla – We have evaluated a range of V. vinifera varieties and clones as hosts for M. hapla and discovered that in general white varieties are better hosts for this nematode than red varieties. See here for results. Additionally, we determined that several commonly planted Vitis rootstocks are resistant to M. hapla. See here for an updated version of Ferris et al. (2012) rootstock table with M. hapla results included.
Meloidogyne hapla degree-day model for semi-arid grapes – In collaboration with Washington State University we are developing a degree-day model for M. hapla in Washington wine grapes. The goal is to better understand when motile stages of this nematode are present in soil in order to better time control measures to manage this nematode.
Evaluation of post-plant nematicides for plant-parasitic nematode management in grape – In collaboration with Washington State University we are evaluating several post-plant nematicides as drip applications in existing vineyards for the management of plant-parasitic nematodes. This research is just starting, so stay posted for results.
We thank the Washington Wine Advisory Board for funding this research.
Evaluation of own-rooted Vitis vinifera and Vitis rootstocks for host status for Meloidogyne hapla – We have evaluated a range of V. vinifera varieties and clones as hosts for M. hapla and discovered that in general white varieties are better hosts for this nematode than red varieties. See here for results. Additionally, we determined that several commonly planted Vitis rootstocks are resistant to M. hapla. See here for an updated version of Ferris et al. (2012) rootstock table with M. hapla results included.
Meloidogyne hapla degree-day model for semi-arid grapes – In collaboration with Washington State University we are developing a degree-day model for M. hapla in Washington wine grapes. The goal is to better understand when motile stages of this nematode are present in soil in order to better time control measures to manage this nematode.
Evaluation of post-plant nematicides for plant-parasitic nematode management in grape – In collaboration with Washington State University we are evaluating several post-plant nematicides as drip applications in existing vineyards for the management of plant-parasitic nematodes. This research is just starting, so stay posted for results.
We thank the Washington Wine Advisory Board for funding this research.