Evaluating Grape Rootstocks for Nematode Susceptibility
Unfortunately the Phylloxera contamination could not be tolerated due to the risk that these pests could escape the microplots and become established at the Kearney Agricultural Center, and because Phylloxera could interact with plant-parasitic nematodes in damaging the vines, thus confounding tests designed to determine nematode resistance. To address these issues, all vines will be removed from their microplots, and the microplot soils will be steam-treated to kill any insect or insect eggs that may be remaining. After this sterilization procedure, the microplots will be prepared for replanting. New plant material will be collected and propagated, and the experiment re-initiated.