International Downy and Powdery workshop
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s plant pathologist, Andrew Taylor, presented at the eighth International Downy and Powdery workshop held in Corvallis, Oregon USA , 17-19 July 2017.
Andrew presented an insight into his ongoing PhD studies on grape downy mildew and some findings he has made to date. He also used the opportunity to learn more about how other countries and regions manage these economically important diseases.
The workshop was attended by researchers and industry representatives from America, Europe and Australia.
Presentations focussed on a number of areas including disease management, fungicide resistance, population studies and host resistance.
Disease management is of particular interest for European researchers as it has been legislated that a more sustainable approach for pesticide usage is required in European vineyards.
A tour of vineyards in the Willamette Valley followed two days of presentations and provided attendees an opportunity to view how production systems operate in Oregon.
Many of the vineyards are heavily influenced by French production systems and this often means very narrow row spacings, some as small as 1m by 1m. This presents different challenges in terms of mechanisation, how to get a tractor small enough to fit down the rows, as well as issues it creates in terms of disease pressure.
Cellar door sales are important for the Oregon industry and some vineyards have included unusual attractions in order to boost visitor numbers.
Whilst in Oregon Andrew collected DNA samples of downy mildew for comparison as part of his genetic work in Australia which will be completed early in 2018.
The workshop also provided the chance to meet fellow researchers and the potential for collaborations that will help the WA viticulture industry deal with two of the most economically impactful diseases in Australia.
The travel was supported by Wine Australia and Murdoch University travel grants.
For more information contact Andrew Taylor, Research Officer on +61 (0)8 9780 6241