National Wine and Grape Industry Centre
Vine Pathology
- Research
- Non-Botrytis bunch rots
- Nematode control through biofumigation
- Surface Wax of Grape Berries
Research
Vineyard soil health and microbial biodiversity under different floor management practices: The importance of soil organic matter for high soil microbial populations and biodiversity; suppressive soils (the ability of some soil bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi to suppress grapevine fungal pathogens).
Young vine decline in the Riverina, New South Wales: an investigation into the role of pathogenic fungi such as the Petri disease fungi (Phaeomoniella chlamydospora, Phaeoacremonium spp.) plus Botryosphaeria, Cylindrocarpon spp. Fusarium spp.and some Pestalotia-like fungi.
Phylogenetic distribution of Cylindrocarpon spp. in Australia; causal agents of ‘black-foot’: the distribution of Cylindrocarpon species such as C. destructans, C. macrodidymum and C. liriodendri on grapevines in Australia.
Fungal infection of grapevines by soil/root transmission; the replant question: investigations into the problems associated with replanting new grapevines into soil previously occupied by diseased vines.
Biocontrol of grapevine fungal pathogens with actinomycetes and bacteria isolated from vineyard soils.
Infection of grapevines with Pseudomonas syringae pv. morsprunorum – early season bunch loss
Non-Botrytis Bunch Rots
Outcomes
- Determine the incidence of non-Botrytis bunch rots in Australian vineyards and ascertain varietal susceptibility.
- Investigate the role canopy management has on bunch rot incidence with an emphasis on light exposure and free water availability.
- Investigate vineyard floor management and determine if spore dispersal from the soil is important in disease spread.
- Determine the importance of over wintering structures in bunch rot development and pruning techniques. A number of bunch rot organisms are also wood pathogens.
- Examine the berry microflora, and in particular competition on the berry surface. This will help to elucidate why control of Botrytis can potentially lead to the development of other fungal rots. Furthermore, there may be implications for the discovery of potential bio-control organisms.
- As part of an IPM program, optimise the timing and frequency of fungicide applications for the control of non-Botrytis bunch rots.
- Conduct field-based workshops to assist growers in bunch rot identification and bunch rot management options
Project Co-ordinator- A/Prof. Chris Steel
Nematode control through biofumigation
Project Aim
Investigate nematode control using different sources of biofumigation.
Outcomes
- 7 different species of parasitic nematodes have been recorded in vineyards in the Riverina and Hunter Valley
- The nematodes populations are higher in soil around the root zone in undervine position than the soil in mid row position
- Root knot nematode has been found in 94% of the vineyards surveyed
- Slashing of mustard covercrops at preflowering and incorporation of mustard seed meal into the soil reduces nematode populations
Project Co-ordinator- Dr. Loothfar Rahman
Surface Wax of Grape Berries
Project Aim
- To examine the effect of various vineyard chemical sprays on berry epicuticular wax structure.
- To quantify Botrytis infection rates after various types of spray applications at different times during berry development.
- To examine the berry surface for positive and negative microbial species interactions after spray applications.
Outcomes
- An understanding of the impact of particular agrochemical sprays on berry cuticular development .
- Information about the potential negative effects of particular agrochemical sprays on Botrytis control.
- Knowledge about changes in the mocrobial ecology of grape berries after spraying
- Better management strategies to reduce incidence and severity of Botrytis rot.
Project Co-ordinator- Dr Suzy Rogiers