DISTRIBUTION AND ECOLOGY OF XIPHINEMA INDEX IN CYPRUS

Abstract

A survey on the distribution of Xiphinema index Thorne et Allen, in the traditional vine-growing areas of Cyprus revealed that the nematode is widely spread while its average percent of occurrence, out of the 1185 soil samples examined, reached 22.2 Soil type pH, organic matter, calcium carbonate and elevation had no effect, whatsoever, on the distribution of this nematode on the island. It is believed that the only factor which influenced the spread of this nematode is the presence of its natural host plant (Vitis vinifera L.), as shown by historical documentation on the island's vine cultivation which developed since the 12th century, or even earlier.