Wine pest all clear

By Casey Neill
YARRA Valley winemakers say they are unconcerned about the latest outbreak of a grapevine pest.
Grapevine phylloxera was confirmed on a property near the Macedon Ranges, about 80 kilometres north west of the Yarra Valley, on 7 January.
Phylloxera is an aphid that feeds on the sap of vine roots and causes a decline in vine vigour.
“It is a problem for the viticulture industry because it causes a gradual decline in vine health and there is no effective treatment for the pest on ungrafted vines,” Department of Primary Industry’s (DPI) plant standards manager Patrick Sharkey said.
“It is also a market access issue for both the viticulture and nursery industries and requires restrictions on the movement of vine products from affected areas,” he said.
Mr Sharkey said a control zone would be established in the area surrounding the affected property and surveys would be conducted on nearby vineyards.
“Senior DPI plant standards officers will meet with local growers, winery managers and industry groups to proactively control this outbreak and prevent further spread of the pest,” he said.
The most recent previous detection of the grape pest was on the 38-hectare Beavis vineyard in St Huberts Road, Coldstream, on 4 December.
The DPI established an incident management team, established a 5km infestation zone and implemented protocols covering all aspects of grape growing, winemaking and wine tourism.
An inspection of all other vineyards in the region was carried out but no sign of the aphid was found.
Simon Napthine, general manager of TarraWarra Estate in Yarra Glen, said the exclusion zone and quarantine measures worked.
Mr Napthine said he was not concerned by the latest outbreak of the disease but said it is the time of year when the aphids are most likely to be transferred.
“All the wineries and vineyards need to keep being vigilant and use best viticultural practices,” he said.
Leon Tokar, owner of Tokar Estate in Coldstream, was also unconcerned about the latest outbreak.
The Yarra Valley Wine Growers Association (YVWGA) was unavailable for comment.
Phylloxera is most commonly spread through transportation of materials but vineyard visitors can become unwitting vehicles for the insect.
The Yarra Valley Wine Growers Association established protocols for its Grape Grazing Festival in February.
Participating wineries are required to place barriers between their vineyards and parking and public areas.
For a free copy of the protocols call the YVWGA on 5962 4800, email info@yarravalleywine.com or visit www.yarravalleywine.com.