Sustainable viticulture 2010 and beyond: Vineyard management to maximise beneficial invertebrates to increase the bottom line

Abstract

Pest control in vineyards is provided by natural enemies and chemicals, and an increase in the abundance of enemies can shift the balance towards sustainable pest control with economic and environmental rewards.

Summary

The project provides ways of assessing impacts of chemical use, vegetation and cover crops with a view to supporting the industries’ environmental image while enhancing economic outcomes. We have identified means to enhance invertebrate diversity, including those that contribute to pest control as predators and parasitoids and to soil health. We have examined options within the context of practices that are all part of normal vineyard management. This includes chemicals that are often a part of pest and disease management, non-crop vegetation that is increasingly managed or put in place to provide a variety of vineyard services, and inter row crops that are being considered in response to drier conditions within vineyards. The management practices targeted all have economic and environmental components. Reduced use of chemicals detrimental to beneficial invertebrates has the potential to enhance pest control and decrease the environmental impact of chemicals in the industry. Vegetation in vineyards, with a range of different primary functions, similarly increases natural enemies with potential to reduce chemical impacts, and confers the benefits of the vegetation and enhances the image of the industry both locally and globally.  Reduced rainfall and temperature increases associated with changing climate conditions have spurred interest in cover crops which can grow in the more difficult conditions.