The biology, physiology and host-plant interactions of grape phylloxera daktulosphaira vitifoliae

Grape phylloxera Daktulosphaira vitifoliae (Fitch) is regarded as the most economically important insect pest of commercial grapevines Vitis worldwide. Root-feeding stages are the most economically damaging. Phylloxera has been managed effectively since the use of resistant rootstocks in the late nineteenth century. The more recent genetic characterisation and partial characterisation of the internal anatomy of D. vitifoliae has improved our knowledge of its life cycle, genetic diversity, physiology and geographic distribution of holocyclic and anholocyclic populations. Although the Phylloxeridae has a basal phylogenetic relationship to the Aphidoidea and provides an interesting comparative model, it has received far less research focus on its fundamental biological characteristics. Using existing techniques and recent advances in molecular, genomic and metabolomic techniques could address the knowledge gaps and lead to the development of improved management options.