The use of rootstocks became critical due to the devastating effects of Filloxera on Vitis vinifera roots. Rootstocks that were resistant to this pest were hence used in grafting vines in South Africa since 1872.
The Institute for Grape and Wine Sciences published a new book in September 2016 about the characteristics of the most important rootstock cultivars in South Africa.
The book was written by Prof Eben Archer and an electronic version of the book can be accessed through the following link: (Currently only available in Afrikaans)