Incubator Initiative – Clarifying the biology of pest snail. What new tools and techniques for their sustainable management can be investigated?

Abstract

Snails cause significant damage to viticultural and broadacre crops across many parts of Australia. The current strategy of poisoning with snail baits is not providing the level of control that growers are seeking. A systematic literature review of the biology and control of key pest snails that affect vineyards was conducted. This research highlights the limited information available on snails’ prevalence, impact, and management in vineyard ecosystems both in Australia and overseas.

Summary

Mediterranean snails are causing major issues in many Australian viticultural regions. A systematic review of the literature revealed significant gaps in the current understanding of the biology and management of snails in vineyard ecosystems. Current management practices and recommendations for control of snails in vineyards have been primarily derived from research into snails in broadacre crops. There is evidence that Cornu aspersum is a key pest species in many viticultural regions; whilst, in broadacre crops it does not appear to be a major issue. Effectiveness of control measures may differ between species and faunal regions and may be impacted by the phenology of the host crops. This report has identified a current need for research on the key pest species across the various faunal regions in Australia. Future research on improvements to current management practice and new alternative management practices may be guided by research on other perennial horticulture crops, such as citrus and apples. This project was funded by the Wine Australia Incubator Initiative Program (UM2100), with the support of The University of Melbourne and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Government of Western Australia.