Strengthening the wine industry’s biosecurity capacity and capability
Abstract
Suzanne McLoughlin, Technical Manager, Vinehealth Australia, attended the 7th International Phylloxera and Nematode Symposium, held at UC Davis, California, August 21-23, 2017. This symposium, held approximately every three years, brings together scientists including PhD students, from research institutes internationally. It is the main forum for scientists to present, listen to and discuss the latest research and information on aspects of phylloxera and nematode breeding. The symposium was attended by approximately 20 scientists from countries including US, Austria, Germany, Italy, China, Argentina, Canada and Australia and included a field trip to the Napa Valley. Post the symposium, Suzanne met with a range of grape and wine research organisations, government institutions and commercial businesses to discuss biosecurity activities, predominantly focused on management and communication of pests and diseases.
Summary
The 7th International Phylloxera and Nematode Symposium provided Suzanne McLoughlin an opportunity to assess the current international research being undertaken for phylloxera against identified needs for the Australian Wine Industry. Symposium attendance confirmed that international phylloxera research is largely focussed on breeding and the assessment of rootstocks for tolerance/resistance to phylloxera. No international work was presented on general farm-gate hygiene, disinfestation techniques or surveillance. Consequently, the importance of identifying, supporting and adequately funding home-grown research continues to be imperative. Researchers identified the use of SSR markers as the cheapest method for verifying phylloxera presence. Australia’s capability to undertake this diagnostic technique needs to be evaluated. Breakdown in the phylloxera resistance of 101-14 rootstock was recently identified by researchers, particularly associated with growth on weak sites with dry soils. This perception was not verified by local commercial growers in California.
Visits to commercial vineyards in the Napa Valley were important to verify high priority pest and disease issues and practices being undertaken to address these issues. Highly useful to building Australia’s capability and capacity to prepare for exotic incursions, was hearing first-hand about the successful eradication strategy undertaken over six years for the European Grapevine Moth in California.