Risks and Management of Endemic and Exotic Phylloxera

Abstract

Significant spread of grape phylloxera beyond its current range would be devastating for the Australian wine industry. The overall aims of this project were to minimise the risk of grape phylloxera spreading within and between quarantine boundaries and to improve phylloxera detection. The influence of temperature extremes and various chemical products on survival of several endemic phylloxera strains was examined, in the context of scientifically validating existing and developing new phylloxera disinfestation protocols. This evidence-based approach highlighted that endemic strains vary in their susceptibility to disinfestation treatments and, as a result, recommendations are provided to modify existing protocols. These modifications, once implemented, will reduce the risk of movement of phylloxera endemic strains as well as reducing the time and cost associated with implementing quarantine procedures and management options.

The use of sniffer dogs for phylloxera detection was explored for the first time through a pilot study. Results of this work highlighted that an odour-based detection approach should be further developed to improve the industry’s capacity to detect phylloxera early and thus reduce its economic impact on grapevine production.

In addition to maintaining and utilising a collection of six phylloxera endemic strains in this work, a new strain was detected and added to the existing clonal collection. Further, five unidentified phylloxera including a leaf galling sample were detected and a culture started from these initial collections. This expanded clonal collection is a fundamental scientific resource which will be required to enable future research in early detection, rootstock management, quarantine development and alternative control options of grape phylloxera.

Summary

This report describes the research, development and extension activities of the three year AGWA and DEDJTR co-funded project DEP 1301 conducted during 2014-2017. The main objectives of the project were to (i) maintain a clonal collection of selected endemic phylloxera strains, (ii) utilise selected genetic strains to scientifically validate a range of disinfestation treatments currently recommended in the National Phylloxera Management Protocol, (iii) develop a memorandum of understanding between AGWA and DEDJTR to allow future access to the clonal lineage collection, (iv) conduct a desk top literature survey to develop a Pest Risk Analysis document for phylloxera, (v) assess the potential for using sniffer dogs as part of an early detection approach for phylloxera, and (vi) disseminate research outputs through a variety of extension outlets.