National EcoVineyards IPM and microbat event

On Thursday 24th October 2024, the Clare Valley hosted an EcoVineyards workshop focused on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and the role of microbats in vineyards.

Agroecologist/viticulturist Dr Mary Retallack, demonstrated arthropod sampling in the vineyard and assessing leaf brix as an indicator of vine health. EcoVineyards has provided a sampling kit to CVWGA which will be available for members to borrow – contact Rachel Trengove. Mary highlighted the importance of working from the ‘bottom up’, building plant health and resilience rather than a ‘top down’ approach of controlling the pest. Mealybug and Vinescale problems are often correlated with poor nutrition of vines, pests and diseases often attack plants that are weak, not the strong plants.

As part of the EcoVineyards initiative, we have covered Soil health, Ground covers including cover crops and on Thursday we explored Functional biodiversity. Eight local growers have engaged with EcoVineyards and are seeing some very positive and rewarding results, such as the establishment of permanent swards of native grasses in the mid row reducing weed control passes and enhancing biodiversity.

Michael Nash (from What bugs you?), provided an update on arthropods found in association with native insectary plants in spring 2023 in two local EcoVineyards as part of a project funded by the Northern & Yorke Landscape Board Grass Roots grants program. Michael encouraged growers to be aware of the diversity of insects in their vineyards and harness that biodiversity to save money. He warned that high sulphur rates (above 400g/100L) and frequent applications can cause disruption to beneficial insects. Some vineyard operators are opting for more expensive chemicals that can be less disruptive, aiming to preserve numbers of beneficials in the vineyard.

Chris Grant gave a fascinating insight into the world of microbats. Microbats can provide effective biocontrol of insect pests in vineyards with their capacity to consume a significant portion of their body weight in pest insects nightly, including light brown apple moth (LBAM). We went for a night walk and located microbats using a bat detection device. Chris encouraged grape growers to preserve valuable habitat in and around vineyards for microbats, especially mature trees with hollows present.

Thanks to Pauletts Wines for hosting and providing sundowner drinks and delicious dinner.