Management of grape Phylloxera in southeast Australia – Phase I & II

Abstract

Natural dispersal characteristics of grapevine phylloxera and subsequent risk of transfer identified allowing improvement in quarantine protocols and pre- and post-harvest disinfestation procedures. Preliminary studies on use of infra red remote sensing surveillance systems and DNA typing techniques described.

Summary

Phylloxera is a serious threat to production and deserves attention on several fronts, including expansion of knowledge of the pest through research, examination of the circumstances and implications surrounding outbreaks, improvement of practices in infested vineyards and extension of information to grapegrowers.

Activities from 1997 to 2000 had a focus on developing the King Valley as a testing ground for optimising detection and developing the capacity to trace infestations. Studies included assessment of rootstocks, quantification of the risks of transfer of phylloxera to new locations by people and machinery and examination of the potential for natural dispersal based on populations and survival of dispersive stages of the insect during summer and autumn. Other parts of the project included training of grape growers in early recognition of symptoms of phylloxera infestation and development of technical support for implementing agreed protocols for management and quarantine.

Results included progress on all fronts. For example, in relation to risks and spread, studies at two sites showed peak populations emerging from the soil and moving across the surface or up the vine trunk generally coincided with months in which the lowest levels of rainfall were recorded (December to March) and that dry, cracked, soil allowed easier movement. In extremely hot weather movement was limited.

The project expanded knowledge and raised awareness among grapegrowers in the King Valley of avenues for spread of phylloxera and periods of greatest risk.