The presence of grapevine insect pest Phylloxera in the Yarra Valley wine growing region was confirmed by the Victorian Department of Primary Industries and Resources (DPI) today.
Foster's Group Limited (Foster's) notified the DPI following the discovery of Phylloxera within a small section of a Yarra Valley vineyard last Friday 1 December.
A detailed inspection by vineyard staff followed routine multi-spectral aerial monitoring which identified unusual vine growth. The presence of Phylloxera was subsequently confirmed following expert examination.
Phylloxera is an aphid pest that feeds only on the roots of non-resistant grapevine root-stock. The pest causes gradual deterioration of vine health but does not affect the quality of wines - including current stocks on shelves - grapes or present any risk to people or livestock.
Over the coming weeks, the DPI will lead a review of Yarra Valley vineyards to determine the extent of infestation. Strict quarantine restrictions are now in place on the affected vineyard.
The area currently confirmed to be affected is limited to a small section of a 32 hectare Foster's Yarra Valley vineyard. Vines from infected areas will be removed and destroyed, subject to ongoing consultation with the DPI.
At this stage, there is no indication of how the Phylloxera pest came to be present in the previously Phylloxera-free Yarra Valley region.
Phylloxera is present in isolated winegrowing regions of Victoria and New South Wales including the King Valley, Nagambie and Rutherglen in North East Victoria and areas around Sydney in New South Wales
Rectification costs associated with the affected vines are not expected to be material to Foster's.
For further information please contact:
Media
Troy Hey
Tel: +61 3 9633 2085
Mob: 0409 709 126
Investor
Chris Knorr
Tel: +61 3 9633 2685
Mob: 0417 033 623
