Grape phylloxera resource for Central Otago grape growers

Abstract

The insect is variously called by the scientific names Phylloxera vitifoliae and Daktulosphaira vitifoliae. American and Australian authorities prefer the latter but British authorities the former. Similarly, it is known by the common names of grape phylloxera, phylloxera or grapevine louse. The first is the approved common name in New Zealand and the last should not be used since the insect is an aphid and not a louse. This aphid is a native of North America that has been spread into nearly every significant grape-growing region in the world. It has been present in New Zealand since the latter part of the 19th century and is known to affect grapes in Gisborne, Hawke's Bay and Marlborough.