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The Grower's Guide
To Managing Phylloxera
For grape growers throughout California, few pests are as
destructive as Phylloxera. But, if detected early and treated properly,
damage caused by this pest can be minimized.
 Phylloxera,
a root feeding aphid, injures grape vines by injecting saliva into
tender rootlets. This in turn causes yellowish galls or nodosites
to appear as clubs that curve or bulge around the insect's body.
In most cases, the swelling stops rootlet growth, and the infested
root eventually dies.
At first, there may be little if any apparent damage to the vine.
Premature yellowing or slight stunting can take years to develop.
In some cases, the injury may be initially limited to a few stunted
or dead vines. Over time, however, the damage worsens and spreads.
As the affected area grows, satellite sites of infection will begin
to form. Unfortunately, at this stage, the only remedy is to replant.
 Early
detection is the key to successful management. To find Phylloxera
you must dig up roots and visually inspect the rootlets with a hand
lens.
In the early stages, you will discover Phylloxera close to the surface.
As time passes and surface roots die, appearing burned or charred,
deeper digging is necessary to find Phylloxera.
Another clue to the presence of Phylloxera is reported infestation
by nearby growers. Phylloxera travels easily via dirt, irrigation
water, field equipment and sometimes, by air. So you can be fairly
certain that if one of your neighbors has Phylloxera, you will eventually
have it as well.
 Phylloxera's
potential for destruction lies with its method of devouring whole
roots. Its inherent prolific nature is just as devastating. A fully
developed female can begin laying eggs as soon as 48 hours after
the final molt. As generations overlap, up to 300 eggs can be deposited
per female during the summer and fall months. Theoretically, a single
female adult can spawn over one billion descendants in a single
year.
If you find Phylloxera in your vineyard before they cause serious
damage, you may not need to replant. With ENZONE®, Phylloxera
can be successfully managed for years to keep your vineyard healthy
and productive.
 ENZONE
is a post-plant soil fumigant that quickly and effectively attacks
Phylloxera as well as nematodes and oak root fungus. ENZONE can
be applied throughout the active growing season as it decomposes
into naturally occurring soil minerals. What's more, ENZONE doesn't
contaminate ground water, leave a residue on harvested crops, or
require a "Restricted Use" permit.
Best of all, ENZONE is also effective in managing nematodes and
oak root fungus (Armillaria), pest which also attack and weaken
grape roots.
 For
more information on identifying Phylloxera or learning about Helena's
complete line of products, contact your local dealer. Or call (559)
261-9030.
You work too hard to watch the fruits of your labor wither away.
Protect your vines. Protect your business. The time is ripe for
ENZONE.
[Back To ENZONE]
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