ISHS Acta Horticulturae 617: Workshop on Rootstocks' Performance in Phylloxera Infested Vineyards
FOREWORD |
| Author: | E.H. Rühl |
| Abstract:
FOREWORD Phylloxera is the most dangerous pest in viticulture, devastating large grape growing regions of Europe in the late 19th and early 20th century. The combined effort of scientist from many countries resulted in the overcoming of the problem and a biological control with phylloxera tolerant rootstock. It has been a long way, which was only possible by international cooperation, exchange of ideas and planting material. The viticulture of today is very much the result of these efforts. But on the other hand, phylloxera has become a myth and is no longer considered a pest and a thread to grape growers. Phylloxera outbreaks demonstrate that this pest has not been defeated, but is alive and dangerous. Even after 135 years of phylloxera studies, we must admit, that we are still far from understanding neither the insect’s behaviour and nor the plants defence systems. We also do not know the interaction between phylloxera and the soil flora and fauna. The same applies to rootstocks. They are being used for more than a century now in the fight against phylloxera, but our knowledge about their adaptation on soil types, their effect on scion performance, must and wine quality is just as limited as the understanding of their resistance mechanisms. A major reason for this fact is certainly the long-term nature of rootstock studies and their generally difficult nature. There is certainly a need for more research on phylloxera and joint approach from all scientist working in this field. This was the reason for the first Phylloxera Workshop organised by Kevin Powell at Rutherglen, Vic. in 2000, which was followed by this meeting at Geisenheim from August 26 to 28, 2001. We were very pleased about the attendance at the meeting, and I thank all speakers and poster presenters for their effort and participants for questions and discussions. I thank Ben Bravdo and the ISHS team for their help and patience. We acknowledge the financial support of the Heinrich Birk Gesellschaft e. V., the Geisenheim Research Centre and Weinbauamt Eltville. The workshop would not have been possible without it. I thank the staff of the Department of Grapevine Breeding and Grafting for their dedication and hard work to make it all possible. I apologize for the late publication and thank the participants for their patience. Geisenheim, October 2003 Ernst H. Rühl | |
