Digestive and feeding physiology of Grape Phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae Ftch)
Abstract
Grape phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae Fitch, Hemiptera: Phylloxeridae) is a
worldwide pest of the viticulture industry due to damage caused to the root system of
the European grapevine, Vitis vinifera L. (Vitaceae). The main management option for
radicicolae grape phylloxera is the use of resistant rootstocks, however due to the
success of this management option a range of questions relating to the biology,
nutrition and feeding behaviour of the pest insect remain unanswered. This thesis
addressed a number of these questions in order to extend the current knowledge of the
biological characteristics of grape phylloxera and the possible influences on host-plant responses...