Wine Industry Newsletter

Are you really biosecurity prepared?

Senior Research Officer Stewart Learmonth inspects vines

With the recent detection of Grapevine Pinot Gris Virus in Australia for the first time and notification of the expansion of the Maroondah Phylloxera Infested Zone in Victoria, biosecurity issues are closer to home for grape growers more than ever.

On top of this is the recent incursion of the Tomato Potato Psyllid that has significantly affected the operations of fellow farmers.

With the start of the new growing season, biosecurity should be at the forefront of all grape growers’ minds.

To assist the viticulture industry build better biosecurity knowledge and preparedness, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has recently published the Western Australian Viticulture Industry Biosecurity Manual.

The manual provides specific information on the priority pest threats identified in the Western Australian Viticulture Industry Biosecurity Plan (released in December 2016), as well as advice on improving biosecurity on farm.

The information provided on the pest threats includes the likely impact to growers and industry, what to look for and some management options that have been used where the pest occurs.

With the start of the new growing season, growers are urged to familiarise themselves with the priority pest threats and include them in general surveillance activities within the vineyard and surrounding areas.

Pest surveillance should be a routine practice for all growers and reporting of pests should be a part of this routine.

Western Australian grape growers are in the privileged position of having a mobile field pest identification aid tool in MyPestGuide Grapes to assist with initial field identification of pests. However, accurate identification of pests is essential for efficient management and monitoring of pest activity.

MyPestGuide Reporter provides a fast and simple way of reporting pest occurrences along with an expert confirmation of identification.

The manual is the latest tool developed for the viticulture industry in Western Australia to increase biosecurity capacity and preparedness.

The manual was developed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in consultation with the viticulture industry in Western Australia and was made possible by Royalties for Regions funding.

For more information contact Alec McCarthy, Development Officer on +61 (0)8 9780 6273.