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Phylloxera vitifoleae

Phylloxera vitifoleae

9.9
A tiny aphid-like insect that attacks and kills grape plants
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Phylloxera vitifoleae
  • The devastation caused by Phylloxera vitifoleae led to a major crisis in European vineyards in the 19th century.

Examples

  • Grape growers introduced resistant rootstocks to combat the threat of Phylloxera vitifoleae.

  • Research continues into natural predators of Phylloxera vitifoleae to help protect grape yields.

  • The Phylloxera vitifoleae infestation devastated the vineyard.

  • Farmers are concerned about Phylloxera vitifoleae this season.

  • Grape growers introduced resistant rootstocks to combat the threat of Phylloxera vitifoleae.

  • Research continues into natural predators of Phylloxera vitifoleae to help protect grape yields.

  • The devastation caused by Phylloxera vitifoleae led to a major crisis in European vineyards in the 19th century.

Synonyms

phylloxera
vsPhylloxera vitifoleae
  • Specialized
9.9

A small insect that attacks grapevines by feeding on their roots and leaves

is the single species that attacks and destroys grape plants
grape phylloxera
vsPhylloxera vitifoleae
  • Specialized
9.9

A small insect that sucks sap from grapevines and damages their roots and leaves

is presented as a tiny aphid like insect attacking vineyards
grape louse
vsPhylloxera vitifoleae
9.3

A small insect that lives on grape plants and damages them

refers specifically to the species that destroys grape plants

Surface Forms

Morphology

phylloxera + vitifoleae

This is a scientific Latin binomial name; its meaning as a particular species is technical and not compositionally derived in everyday English. The second element is non‑transparent (not found in the learner's dictionary) and even knowing 'phylloxera' would not make the full taxonomic sense predictable to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Phylloxera vitifoleae paints a simple picture: Phylloxera suggests tiny lice and vitifoleae points to 'vines' or 'grape leaves'. Imagine tiny lice hiding on roots and leaves, sucking the vine's juice until the plant becomes weak and dies, so the name is used for the small pest that destroys 'grape plants'.