Grape Phylloxera Treatment in Fort Worth, TX.
What causes Grape Phylloxera?Texas has rapidly become a popular wine-growing region in the United States and many grape vines flourish in Fort Worth and the North Texas area both in small vineyards and personal home outdoor habitats. Vitis vinifera, a grape variety which originated in Europe and is still common in the Mediterranean, is well-known to tree care specialists and is the most popular grape throughout Texas and the DFW metroplex. |
Grape phylloxera is similar to aphids in appearance and is pear-shaped and yellowish-brown in color. They are exceptionally difficult to battle because they are hidden within infected soil and reproduce as many as seven generations within the summer months alone. Before any obvious visual evidence of their infestation appears grape phylloxera have already invaded the root systems of the grapevines. It is essential to contact an arbor care specialist immediately if the grapevine is lacking in health because there is no cure for damage caused by grape phylloxera!
The Diagnosing of Grape Phylloxera
The official diagnosis is mandatory in order to halt devastation caused by grape phylloxera and an experienced plant pathologist will expedite the investigative process when this noxious pest is suspected. Grape phylloxera causes root necrosis, which is the rotting and death of plant cells and tissue that provide nutrients and water for the grapevine. Once the root structure has been invaded, early visual indications begin appearing and include premature loss of leaves and a general thinning appearance.
Bumps that are 1/4 inch across resembling a pea or wart, known by arbor care professionals as galls, cover the grape leaves and are the encasement for phylloxera eggs. Soil will be laboratory-tested for phylloxera, as infected soil is easily spread by digging and planting, walking throughout the habitat grounds and by wind and rain. Root grafts will be examined by the certified arborist to verify occupation by phylloxera. The Fort Worth tree doctor will present the diagnosis report along with a customized plan to address infected plants and the necessary required preventative and on-going care for the remaining uninfested grape vines.
Treating Grape Phylloxera
Preventing grape phylloxera from ever invading is key to battling this lethal pest! Immediate removal and destruction of severely diseased grape vines by a professional tree service are necessary for preventing further distribution of grape phylloxera throughout the habitat soil. Chemical treatments can help in reducing the phylloxera population and must be administered and closely monitored by an arborist that treats sick trees, as the best and most effective application times are early in the season when grapes are just beginning to appear on the vines.
Organic options of insecticides are available and the tree service expert will advise what chemical applications are best in stopping further infestation and also aid in protecting natural predators of grape phylloxera such as fly larvae and lacewing nymphs. Resistant varieties of Vitis vinifera are available and the best Fort Worth arborist will advise, direct and prepare the soil and provide new plantings where needed and desired. Maintaining healthy, robust plants along with clean, disease-free soil is absolutely essential in preventing the invasion of deadly grape phylloxera and ensuring your beautiful vines flourish and produce many seasons of delicious grapes!