Implementing new management for control of garden weevil and African black beetle in WA vineyards

Abstract

African black beetle and garden weevil are significant pests of grapevines in Western Australia. Adults of African black beetle ringbark vines up to two years old resulting in vine death, while garden weevils attack all green portions of the vine reducing vine function and production. The purpose of this project was to enable growers to learn of progress towards improved control measures recently made by the WA Department of Agriculture.

Summary

At the time of this project only limited information was available on drenching at the base of vines with chlorpyrifos to control black beetle in newly-planted vines and a trial permit for its wider use had been granted. This meant greater grower experience with this pesticide would be beneficial. Similarly, it was considered that expanding the experiences in managing garden weevil using butt drenching would enable more precise advice to be issued by the WA Department of Agriculture and agricultural consultants. Demonstrations in commercial vineyards, as well as basic fact sheets on how and when to apply insecticide to control both pests, were part of the promotion and extension campaign.

Outcomes included knowledge sharing, compilation of new facts sheets and grower appreciation of practical issues like the importance of monitoring so that correct timing of applications could be determined