ABSTRACT
Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) transmitted by its specifi c vector Xiphinema index is one of the major viruses affecting grapevine world-wide causing important damage (Bovey et al. 1980). Since 1988 in Germany it is forbidden to combat virus transmitting nematodes by nematicides. Therefore investigations are focussed on alternative combating methods. Beside the breeding programmes for developing resistant rootstocks, research programmes were initiated to fi nd plant substances as a basis for possible new generations of nematicides with different kinds of action. For testing
promising substances it is necessary to have enough nematodes for experiments, which requires an effi cient rearing. Xiphinema index is not well adapted to the temperate zone, the population density is usually low in vineyards of this region (Mohr 2005, Taylor and Brown 1997). But if this nematode has optimal living conditions like in greenhouses, the population density may increase rapidly.
