NWGIC - National Wine and Grape Industry Centre

Vine Pathology

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

Investigate nematode control using different sources of biofumigation.

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

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.

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