Nematodes in Washington

The following is a brief description of nematode species found in Washington vineyards. In general, nematodes weaken the root system, can cause secondary infections due to their feeding on the vine roots, and some species can infect vines with viruses, explains Dr. Ekaterini Riga, Washington State University nematologist. Dagger—Of the two major dagger species found in grapes (Xiphinema pachtaicum and X. americanum), fortunately for Washington growers, the species associated with spreading virus (X. americanum) was not the prevalent species found in the state. Dagger nematodes are some of the largest nematodes and have a huge stylet (piercing mouthpiece) that can […]