Reduced meloidogyne ethiopica parasitism in vitis vinifera grafted on six resistant rootstocks under field and greenhouse conditions

Meloidogyne ethiopica, an aggressive nematode, causes significant economic losses to Vitis crops. Rootstocks can successfully manage phytopar-asitic nematodes. However, no studies exist on M. ethiopica-resistant rootstocks under field conditions. This study assessed the resistance of six Vitis rootstocks to M. ethiopica under field and greenhouse conditions. The number of galls and eggs in vine roots, quantity of second stage juveniles and males in 250 ml of soil, root weight, and shoot weight were determined for the Harmony, SO4, 101-14 MG, 110R, 3309C, and Kober 5BB rootstocks, and the own-root Chardonnay variety as a control. In the field, Harmony, SO4, 101-14 MG, Kober 5BB, and 110R were highly resistant to nematode parasitism and reproduction. In turn, 3309C was the least resistant rootstock. In the greenhouse, all rootstocks similarly limited M. ethiopica attack and reproduction. In both conditions, Chardonnay was the most susceptible vine to nematode attack, with high quantities of galls, eggs, and nematode reproduction. In conclusion, most of the evaluated rootstocks reduced M. ethiopica parasitism. Harmony, SO4, 101-14 MG, 110R, and Kober 5BB rootstocks are options for vineyard use, with final selection dependent on winegrower requirements.