The epidemiology of Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) and its nematode vector, Xiphinema index, was analyzed by studying the efficacy of biofumigation, fallow, and solarization as nematode control alternatives. The study was carried out in the southeastern Iberian Peninsula, at two sites in the Jumillla area (Murcia, Spain), which has a continental Mediterranean climate, a sand/loamy based soil which had been in fallow for one year and on another loam/clay/sandy soil under 10-year fallow. An absence of X. index and live grapevine roots was observed in the loam/clay/sandy soil in the 10-year fallow site X. index was not found either in the loam/sandy, biofumigated soil after one year in fallow, although there were live roots. X. index and live roots were found in soils after one year in fallow and especially in solarized soils, therefore solarization and one year in fallow are not considered effective control alternatives. It is concluded that biofumigation may be an alternative for X. index control,which can also increase soil biodiversity.
