The Yarra Valley is in an enviable position as one of the country’s leading wine regions, however, the presence of grapevine phylloxera and the resulting replanting of vines is a significant issue for the region.
Phylloxera is a small aphid-like insect that destroys grapevines by feeding on their roots and/or leaves. Whilst phylloxera is a risk to vine health, it does not impact the quality of grapes or the wine.
Phylloxera was first detected in the Yarra Valley in 2006. While the adoption of best-practice biosecurity protocols has slowed and limited further spread, the pest has gradually spread throughout the region.
Grapevines grown on their own roots (Vitis vinifera) are most susceptible to phylloxera damage, however, this can be managed by grafting vines onto rootstocks that are known to have resistance to phylloxera. Replanting comes at an enormous cost to businesses; it is forecast the cost to the region’s producers to replant the existing vineyards will exceed one billion dollars.
Wine Yarra Valley has launched an industry survey to establish the Yarra Valley’s current vineyard area and the rate at which replanting is being undertaken.
Data collected from the survey will provide essential information to our advocacy on this issue by assisting us in understanding producers’ vine replanting programs, if the industry will contract, and the type of support the growers are seeking. Additionally, it will frame our conversations with governments about support for the industry on this issue.
In the survey Yarra Valley producers have the opportunity to declare the ratio of vines planted on phylloxera-resistant rootstock on their properties and their intentions to replant, as well as their interest in purchasing rootlings generated from some of the region’s earliest plantings, currently being preserved by Wine Yarra Valley.
Producers who are yet to receive the survey can contact Wine Yarra Valley at info@wineyarravalley.com.au.
As the peak body for the Yarra Valley wine industry, Wine Yarra Valley looks for ways to further innovation in viticulture and winemaking with a goal for the region to be recognised globally for cool-climate wine excellence and leading sustainable winemaking practices.
The survey findings will be published in coming months and distributed to participants to provide a snapshot of the industry and a benchmarking opportunity for producers.
Further information:
www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/pest-insects-and-mites/priority-pest-insects-and-mites/grapevine-phylloxera
www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/protecting-victoria/victorian-viticulture-biosecurity
www.wineaustralia.com/news/media-releases/australias-knowledge-and-response-to-grapevine
www.farmbiosecurity.com.au/crops/viticulture/phylloxera
