How is phylloxera spread?
• A. Phylloxera is spread by machinery, people, vehicles, grapes and vine planting material moving from infested to non-infested vineyards. It does spread naturally but only over small distances. Human activities are by far the most likely way the pest could be spread to non-infested vineyards.The phylloxera pest can be spread a number of different ways. The most common are via: • Grapevine materials • Soil • Whole grapes • Machinery and vehicles • People • Grape products such as must and juice The first instar ‘crawler’ stage is the most common form in which phylloxera spreads; in soil (either deliberately moved or accidentally transported on plants, shoes, vehicles), on roots of transplanted rootlings, on cuttings, by wind dispersal and by being carried on leaves, stems or fruit by machinery, grape bins, vehicles and clothing. Natural spread within a vineyard is only around 200m per year,
