Phylloxera
(Viteus vitifoliae)

Overview

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The species Viteus vitifoliae is commonly known as Phylloxera and is a common pest to wine vineyards in Canada. This insect is often not problematic unless infestation levels are extremely high, especially if they occur in the root systems.

Main description

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Phylloxera has two forms: wingless and winged. The winged form is more commonly seen and is yellow-brown in colour, oval shaped and greatly resembles species from the genus Aphis. The presence of Phylloxera is most commonly recognized for the characteristic galls that it produces on the leaves or roots. The grape Phylloxera gall is green in appearance and has a rough looking surface.

Scouting

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Scouting should begin with the observation for infested leaves after shoot length has reached 12 cm. Young galls will be forming on the underside of the terminal leaves.