PHYLLOXERA RESURFACES IN YARRA VALLEY VINEYARD
The continued presence of the grapevine insect pest phylloxera in the Yarra Valley wine growing region was confirmed this week by the Victorian Department of Primary Industries (DPI).
Foster's Group Limited (Foster's) notified the DPI following the discovery of the pest within its 25 hectare Beavis Vineyard, 7 hectares of which was destroyed in an attempt to eradicate an initial phylloxera infestation in December 2006. Foster's has since worked closely with the DPI and other industry stakeholders in extensive efforts to eradicate the pest.
Phylloxera is an aphid - like pest that feeds only on the roots of grapevines. The pest causes gradual deterioration of vine health but does not affect the quality of wines or grapes or present any risk to people or livestock. Tolerant rootstocks can be used when replanting vines in phylloxera affected areas.
A rigorous and ongoing program of testing by Foster's technical staff identified the presence of the pest in a block approximately 600 metres from the site of the original outbreak. At this stage, there are no visible symptoms of the pest and the infestation appears to be limited to a small number of vines. Foster's will immediately destroy the affected vines and will determine the total area to be destroyed on the basis of further testing over the next two weeks.
Further information:
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