DJ's Growers

Severe Powdery Mildew on leaves.

2012-01-13T07:57:00.001+10:30

Bird Control

2012-01-12T10:09:00.004+10:30

Birds damage grape crops by either pecking or consuming whole grapes from bunches.

The former feeding method causes secondary spoilage as bacteria, moulds and insects attack the damaged berries, which may ruin an entire bunch , like in the picture below.

“How can you prevent birds from damaging your grape cop?”

Studies showed that strategies to try and eliminate birds species, that damage grape crops have a poor record of success and the fact that environmental consciousness is on everybody’s mind these days (as it should be), makes killing these birds not an option anymore.

There are a few methods, you as a grape grower, can use to try to reduce damage to grape crops.

1. Bird Netting

Grape growers use bird netting to drape the grape vines with a special net developed to keep out birds. Although bird netting give some sort of protection, it is not fool proof. Draping the netting over grape vines is a time consuming job and no mechanical manipulations (like mechanical harvesting) can be done before the netting is removed again.

2. Gas Gun

The gas gun is a bird scarer, controlled by an electronic timer and 12V battery and create periodic load explosions in an effort to scare birds from the vineyards. These guns are quite costly and should be placed at strategic places throughout the vineyard, but it seems like birds become acclimated in time to new sounds introduced into the vineyard and tend to ignore the gun shots after a while.

The local council, the City of Onkaparinga, has strict noise pollution laws which limits the amount of 'bangs' per hour.

3. Visual Repellents

We see grape growers use shiny streamers and other shiny and fluttering objects like small mirrors hanging from strings, to repel birds, but as with the gas guns, birds acclimate to these objects quickly. Some grape growers stretch plastic strings over the vineyard and these strings will vibrate in the wind and make a low irritation sound that could repel unwanted birds.

4. Chemical Repellents

No proven chemical repellent (to our knowledge) has been successfully used in vineyards. Normally, the grapes are almost ready for harvest and applying chemicals to the grapes, could lead to artificial flavour to grapes and in the end to the wine.

Late Season Botrytis - Vintage 2011 Revisited.

2012-01-03T14:43:00.001+10:30

Vintage Summary 2011

Phosphorous Deficiency in Grapevines

2011-12-22T17:53:00.011+10:30

A distinct symptom of phosphorus deficiency is the appearance of leaf reddening. Under natural conditions, almost all vines have a beneficial fungus, mycorrhizae, associated with their roots, which helps them to acquire P, but sometimes the soil itself prevents P uptake.

Ben South has found this patch of vineyard over 'ironstone'. In acid soils P forms very insoluble compounds with iron, and it binds strongly to the surface of iron oxides.

Most soils used for viticulture in McLaren Vale have low native concentrations of phosphorus and therefore phosphorus fertiliser inputs are normally required. In this case the 'ironstone' has bound up all of the soluble phosphorous in the soil.

Phosphorus is taken up by vines from the soil water in its soluble phosphate form which would also be quickly bound up to the 'ironstone'.

EL 32 Bunch Closure

2011-12-08T08:39:00.003+10:30

Bunch closure (EL 32) in tight bunched varieties is a critical time in the lifecycle of botrytis. The greater the amount of ‘trash’ or damaged berries from light brown apple moth (above) at bunch closure the greater the risk of botrytis.

Botrytis first infects berries as latent or ‘unseen’ infection, during flowering when the flower cap falls. A second type of infection begins to develop as berries press together. Botrytis fungal threads (mycelia) begin to grow from fungus on dead and dying plant tissues (such as ‘trash’ flower debris or damaged berries). This growth from dead material infects berries after berry softening and progressively increases in wet or humid weather.

Alternatively varieties grown with an open bunch configuration develop less rot in wet conditions. They have better airflow and lower canopy humidity after rain. A good canopy structure is a key part in botrytis control. High quality Shiraz that is picked in early March has a low risk of developing a significant level of botrytis before it is picked - without chemical application!

Poor Fruit Set in Grapevines

2011-12-07T09:18:00.007+10:30

An individual grape inflorescence contains hundreds of flowers. However, not all of those flowers will set fruit and develop into berries. On average, 50 percent of flowers within an inflorescence set fruit and become berries (May, 2004). Any greater percentage of fruit set can lead to more compact, tight clusters that can be more prone to fungal infections, particularly in those regions that have higher risk of botrytis and other rots. Fruit set that is low (less than 30 percent fruit set) can lead to clusters with few berries, and/or clusters with significant berry variability. This is often called "hen and chicken" where large and small berries exist within a bunch.

There can be loss of the entire inflorescence, termed inflorescence necrosis and loss of individual flowers within an inflorescence, or flower necrosis. Some flowers may wither before flowering, and still others may abort prior to capfall. Finally, there can be flowers that set and form small shot berries that never ripen and may abort before harvest.

Potential Causes of Poor Fruit Set

When poor fruit set is observed, it can usually be associated with factors that influence the development of flower parts between bud burst and capfall. Development of flower parts begins shortly after bud burst and takes approximately six to eight weeks. The conditions during bloom can be a critical factor in how many flowers per inflorescence set fruit. Because nearly 50 percent of the flowers may not set fruit in a cluster, it is normal to have some flower abscission. It is best to wait until approximately 10 to 12 days after full capfall to observe flower clusters for fruit set estimates.

Vine nutrition. Micronutrient deficiencies of molybdenum (Mo), boron (B) and zinc (Zn) can result in poor fruit set as they play a role in early season shoot growth, and in the case of boron, pollen tube generation which is required for fertilization.

Salt uptake from either irrigation water or from the soil can also affect fruit set (below)

Water stress. Water stress prior to capfall can cause a lack of shoot growth and nutrient uptake prior to flowering.

Vine vigor status. Vines with high vigor tend to have higher N in their tissues, making C:N lower. Conversely, weak vines have lower N and higher C, leading to a higher C:N ratio. In either case, having an unbalanced C:N status of the vine can lead to poor flower development and fruit set. This also relates to competing sinks in the vine: shoots vs. clusters. In overly vigorous vines, shoot tips can out-compete clusters for resources pre-bloom and can lead to reduced flower development and poor fruit set. Conversely, a weak vine will have fewer resources in stored carbon and nitrogen, leading to weak growth. The stronger sink in the weak vine (shoots) will pull resources from the flowers leading to poor fruit set. Therefore, it is best to achieve good fruit set by managing vines for vine balance between vegetative and reproductive growth. The goal is a moderately vigorous vine, not a weak or overly-vigorous vine.

Weather. Overcast, cool, and wet weather can reduce fruit set; however, the mechanism differs between the times when the weather occurs for different processes (floral initiation, development, bloom, and fruit set). Cold and overcast weather prior to bloom can lead to problems in floral development. These environmental factors are likely linked to vine C and N status, particularly if growth is stunted during the early stages of the growing season. If the weather is cold at the time of bloom, the progression of bloom may be delayed and result in reduced set. Finally, rain during bloom can physically inhibit pollination and fertilization by dilution of the stigmatic surface which is to receive pollen from the flower's anthers.

Damaging Events. Anything that is drastically damaging to the vine’s canopy can lead to problems with poor fruit set. These events may include early fall frost, winter damage, hail, or other methods of vine defoliation (herbicide, insect feeding, etc). During fall, the vine is redirecting nutrients from its leaves to store as reserves in the trunk and roots. If a severe fall frost is experienced well before leaf-fall, there can be a significant disruption of this nutrient storage that will leave the vine in a weaker state the following spring. Similarly, any event that can significantly defoliate a vine late in the growing season or in early spring can lead to poor flower development and reduced fruit set by way of reduced carbon assimilation and storage.

Plant material. Some varieties are prone to very poor berry set and hen and chicken.

Documenting Poor Fruit Set

If you observe poor fruit set in your vineyards, it is best to keep a record of the situation. If you are not currently doing some estimate of fruit set, it is wise to begin the practice to develop a baseline of information for a given block. To begin observing fruit set, monitor clusters within 10 to 12 days after full flowering.

A good source of information -
May, P. 2004. Flowering and Fruitset in Grapevines. Adelaide: Lythrum Press.

Downy Mildew Oilspots at Berries Peasize

2011-11-28T16:46:00.008+10:30

Above - A series of pictures of downy mildew oilspots on leaves.

FAQ on downy mildew post infection products.

What is the hectare rate of Ridomil Gold Plus?

Ridomil Gold Plus

Preflowering - 150g/225g per 100lts
Post Flowering - 225g per 100lts
Therefore we work on 2.25kg/ha at this time of the year.

Axiom Plus is 150g per 100lts
Therefore 1.5kg/ha with a 1000 lt Dilute Spray Volume canopy size.

What is the price per kg and ha?

Ridomil Gold Plus

$ per ha = $120
$ per kg = $53

Axiom Plus

$ per ha = $74
$ per kg = $49

Zeemil MZ

$ per ha = $120
$ per kg = $47

What is the shelf life of the product?

When tested the shelf life of Metalxyl is indefinite and it lasts for many years. Samples have been tested that are 10 years old and still 99% effective. As long as the product is well stored it has an excellent shelf life.

The shelf life on the protectant component of Ridomil Gold Plus, copper, is considered to be good also if stored correctly. Note that all downy mildew post infection fungicides have additional protectant added to them when applying to vineyards.

The shelf life on Mancozeb (in Zeemil MZ) is 2 years. Therefore it is recommended for in season use not storage unless there are no other options.

GWRDC's Trial Tasting.

2011-11-22T08:51:00.003+10:30

Thursday the 15th of December at Jacobs Creek.

You are invited to a wine tasting workshop hosted by the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) to taste wines from a hotter and drier future.

The wines to be tasted were made from grapes grown in a GWRDC project investigating the effect of elevated temperature on grapevine physiology and wine attributes.

Through GWRDC’s project, SARDI has established a trial with:

• four varieties grown under current conditions versus a 2-4oC increase in daytime temperature, and
• a Shiraz trail grown under current versus elevated temperatures in combination with frequent irrigation versus water deficit.

Unlike comparisons between wines from hot versus cool regions or between hotter and cooler vintages in the same region, these trials allow for a direct, unequivocal assessment of temperature effects.

The tasting of wines from the 2011 vintage will be held on Thursday 15 December from 1–4pm at the Jacob's Creek Visitor Centre, Barossa Valley Way, Rowland Flat.

Drop in any time between 1 and 4 pm to taste the wines and discuss the research behind the wines with Dr Victor Sadras and the team.

Please contact Martin Moran (martin.moran@sa.gov.au or 0448 928 513) to register your interest in the free workshop.

Latest Downy Mildew photos

2011-11-21T09:32:00.001+10:30

The message – “Take downy mildew seriously in the Adelaide Hills and those sites in on the Fleurieu that are like the Adelaide Hills. Use eradicants if uncovered as spread now will affect grape yield because flowers are highly susceptible to downy mildew.

For McLaren Vale prevent downy mildew building up to high levels like it did in some vineyards last season.”

What does this mean for my vineyard?

You fruit is immune to Downy infection once berries are appx. 2-5mm in size but leaves (and berry stems) remain at risk until harvest.

There is a low risk of Adelaide Hills grape growers losing bunches to Downy Mildew. CropWatch is more concerned about of further warm wet nights through December and January causing a build up of Downy Mildew Oilspots on vine leaves causing defoliation.

Downy Mildew Oilspots at 80% Capfall

2011-11-03T11:50:00.004+10:30

Sodium Toxicity - What to look for

2011-11-03T11:43:00.004+10:30

Salt (sodium) toxicity blackens and scorches leaf margins.Look for older leaves with darkened edges which later scorch tan and curl upwards (sodium) and scorching extending inward to form patches between main veins (chloride).

Salt affected vines will show poor growth of vines and will have early leaf drop beginning with the older leaves first.

Powdery Mildew Flagshoot

2011-11-02T16:23:00.003+10:30

Flag shoots are diseased shoots with stunted growth. They are covered in Powdery Mildew seen as ash-grey growth and distorted or upward curled leaves.

Wind Damage Vine Shoot Tips

2011-11-01T17:11:00.006+10:30

These are a pictures of wind damaged shoot tips taken in the Sellicks Foothills sub-district of McLaren Vale. The vineyard has just begun flowering (EL-19 Early Flowering) and is still rapidly growing. The main growing tip has been rubbed away by high winds and lateral shoots are beginning to push to compensate for this.

Fast growing vines and certain cultivars are more prone to wind damage. Damage to shoots is most common in spring and early summer when new shoots are fast growing and weak (green). Later in the season, after shoots have lignified (turned brown), leaf damage is more common. This late season wind damage is very common in the Sellicks Foothills sub-district of McLaren Vale.

Heavy leaf wind damage, late in the season, can cause a reduction in photosynthesis that may impact fruit quality.

Downy Mildew Oilspots.

2011-10-25T12:33:00.004+10:30

Above- A downy mildew primary oilspot.

Above - A secondary fresh downy mildew oilspot on a Grenache leaf.

Mealy Bug on Chardonnay leaf

2011-10-18T17:46:00.005+10:30

Powdery Mildew Identification photos.

2011-10-12T09:34:00.009+10:30

Sam Freeman shows the underside (below) and top side (right) of powdery mildew found in Cabernet Sauvignon. Powdery mildew increases during spring from a small amount and spreads.

Fresh powdery has the appearance of a whitish film on the backs of leaves. New leaf growth is distorted and older leaves become blackened.

Powdery mildew spores are carried by air and, once active, will continue to spread in dry conditions.

Euytpa Die Back Identification Pictures.

2011-10-10T15:02:00.003+10:30

Shoot thinning in Shiraz

2011-10-06T16:58:00.005+10:30

Note the before (above) and after (below) photos of shoot thinning in Shiraz.

Being more attentive about vine balance and aggressive shoot thinning, in pinot and shiraz, aims to reduce crop loads and shoot numbers. It is an interesting technique for increase light exposure inside vine canopies.

The following shoots are thinned:

- absolutely all water shoots.

- any other infertile shoots without visible inflorescences, which emerge from the pruned spur. However, at least one near-stem new shoot must remain at each shoot position for the following winter pruning.

- if there are two or several shoots growing from one bud, the strongest one (with inflorescences) is retained, all others are removed. Many varieties have a tendency to produce several shoots from each shoot position.

Shoot thinning is carried out when the new shoots have reached a length of approx. 10 to 30cm, ie at a time in spring when the whole vine is still easily manageable.

Hail Damage Pictures.

2011-10-05T10:16:00.004+10:30

Leaf Botrytis

2011-10-04T17:09:00.003+10:30

In long periods of wet weather, botrytis can infect the dead and dying parts of young stems, and leaves damaged by wind and hail. The resulting leaf symptoms can have a brown colour.

The appearance of leaf and stem botrytis doesn't mean that we will get botrytis at harvest, but it does show that recent weather is conductive to it.

Weather damage in McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek.

2011-09-29T15:45:00.006+09:30

This week has seen extremes in weather damage.

In South East frost damage in Shiraz and particularly chardonnay has been recorded. We are hearing it's very patchy but some vineyards have been affected badly.

The frost on Sunday morning also has burnt some vineyards in Langhorne Creek and, to a lesser extent, McLaren Vale (below).

On Wednesday night a large hail storm moved through McLaren Vale. Most of the damage is north of the township. This has broken vine shoots as shown below. Significant damage is mostly in the Seaview area, with damage reducing as the storm went into the Blewitt Springs area. Vineyards on the Range of McLaren Vale and in the southern Adelaide Hills have also been damaged.

No real fruit loss, but likely to be some quality affects from high lateral growth and shoot uniformity.

Earwig Damage

2011-09-26T13:01:00.001+09:30

This week some earwig damage has been seen. Check around posts and other 'hiding' places for earwigs.

Interestingly, in previous years observations, the variety Merlot seems to attract the most serious damage. We are not sure why this is the case but you will often see much more leaves eaten and significant damage in Merlot than other varieties.

Most of the time earwigs do not need to be actively controlled since healthy plants will outgrow small amounts of earwig damage. While the damage can look serious, unless the infloresences(future bunches)are eaten away, the earwigs are not affecting your crop.

Later in the season earwigs are a predator for Light Brown Apple Moth caterpillars (LBAM).

Vine Scale: Severe Infestation.

2011-09-21T16:10:00.004+09:30

Mature scale attach themselves to the vine and excrete honeydew thay may lead to sooty mould. Vine scales produce a number of eggs over several days. The eggs are laid under the cover of the adult "scales" which offer protection.

In this case shown vine scale are aggressively sucking sap from this Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard. If left without treatment vine scale will likely kill this grapevine.

Rust Mite Symptom Pictures

2011-09-20T18:27:00.005+09:30

Glyphosate Resistant Ryegrass seen this season

2011-09-19T15:15:00.004+09:30

Warning signs:

✗ Continual reliance on glyphosate for weed control under trees and vines.
✗ Use of few alternative herbicide modes of action used including residual herbicides.
✗ Lack of non herbicide weed control methods eg mowing, mulching, tillage or grazing.
✗ Allowing weed control escapes to set seed.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
✗ Entering spring with high weed numbers.
✗ Poor vineyard hygiene (contaminated machinery, vehicles and stock coming onto farm)leading to movement of herbicide resistant weed seed.
✗ Lack of competition from inter-row cover-crops.
✗ Poor application technique leading to sub-lethal rates of herbicide at the ends of rows(poor control = more weeds)

If you suspect you have a resistance problem – get plants or seed tested to see which herbicides still work. The best strategy is to ensure that no further seed set is allowed to occur, and drive down the weed seed bank using a number of diverse weed management tactics.

For more information visit the website: www.glyphosateresistance.org.au

Bordeaux vintage begins

2011-09-05T19:33:00.007+09:30

Bordeaux wine grower for Chateau Bauduc, Gavin Quinney reports on their vintage with these photographs.

Hail damaged vines at Cos d'Estournel. 45% of 64 hectares around Chai were hit 1/9.

Lafite harvest started 3/9 at their parcel in St-Estephe, near Lafon Rochet. This is about 14 days early. Unfortunately the region has received a significant hail storm and the race it on to pick the fruit in good condition.

Snail Bait Application

2011-09-05T15:49:00.007+09:30

Late winter and early spring snail levels are high. How do you bait for them? Derek Cameron spied this home made solution to applying snail bait. The grower used PVC pipe to create a hopper and shute. This was had fed with mesurol bait and run out down the rows.

Junk Bugs - Lacewing Larvae

2011-08-26T12:59:00.000+09:30

This week we photographed these Junk Bugs. Junk Bugs are predatory insects found in your vineyard. These predators are the larval stage of Lacewings.

Lacewings go through complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult) and have at least two generations per year. The life cycle takes about 4 weeks depending on temperature. A female Lacewing can deposit over 200 eggs. In 4 to 5 days, the eggs will hatch into small junk bug larvae.

Lacewing larvae are brownish and can have dark reddish-brown stripes and spots (as shown).

They have large jaws for grasping prey and injecting a paralyzing venom. Lacewing larvae, sometimes called aphid lions, typically feed on soft-bodied insects such as aphids, mealy bugs, thrips, and Light Brown Apple Moth. The larvae develop three instars in to 3 weeks, and are 9.5 mm long when full grown. Larvae will spin a silken pale cocoon that is loosely attached to foliage. During the pupal stage they develop wings and reproductive organs.

After 5 to 7 days the adult will emerge from the cocoon and begin to mate. Adult lacewings have chewing mouthparts, are about 18-19 mm long, and feed mostly on nectar and pollen. They can survive for about 5 to 6 weeks.

Two Chardonnay vineyards - 14 days difference.

2011-08-25T10:22:00.007+09:30

The most advanced Chardonnay vineyards (Left) are around the 1-2 leaf stage (EL 7-8), whilst late pruned vineyards (Right) are only at Bud-swell to Green-tip (EL 5).

It is worthwhile planning an early spray round for Powdery Mildew in vineyards that had the disease last season. This is likely to be due in 14 days for early Chardonnay vineyards.

Grapevine Growth Stages (EL Guide)

2011-08-22T13:06:00.000+09:30

Grape Growth

New agrochemical container from Nufarm

2011-08-01T16:59:00.004+09:30

Nufarm have begun to product agrochemcials in their QuikPour container.
Designed in Australia, QuikPour’s is an easy to handle 15 litre container with a large mouth and collapsible internal bladder which means it flows out at quick rate.

QuikPour’s is considered to be a good option by Nufarm because:

• No glug, no splash – safer for users.
• Lighter pack weight – 25% reduction in weight to carry compared with the current 20 litre container for OH&S benefits.
• Easy to open – designed to be opened with gloves on, no need to use a tool
• Environmental benefits –more than 80% reduction in plastic used per litre compared with rigid plastic containers.

Abandoned vineyards - time for peer pressure

2011-08-01T14:01:00.002+09:30

For the big three fungal disease, Powdery mildew, Downy mildew and Botrytis, the pressure was very high last season. High pressure last season has both positive and negative consequences for this season. If you had good control last season, then you know that your spray programme was robust, and you have a low level of disease carrying over to this season.

Unfortunately if you had a significant amount of disease last season you are likely to begin this season with a higher pressure than in a clean vineyard.

Powdery mildew is influenced by the amount of inoculum inherited from last season. Downy mildew survives in the soil for a great length of time, so it will be present for many years after widespread infections in the 2010 season.

The first ten weeks of the season will be critical to keeping your fruit clean from both Powdery & Downy mildew. Powdery mildew early season control is critical to win the battle control next season’s disease this season. Downy mildew protection will also be important if we have a wet grapevine growing season.

Unfortunately there is one factor that you have no control over. How clean are neighbouring vineyards? Contrary to what is often reported we can identify many situations where unprotected vineyards are having a significant build up of disease, which in turn is spreading into surrounding tended vineyards.

Your proximity unsprayed vineyards will also lead to a higher risk of Powdery mildew and, if weather conditions lead to 10:10:24 events, Downy mildew.

Abandoned vineyards are one of the main issue the industry faces, other than an over supply of fruit, the increased disease pressure from abandoned, or poorly tended vineyards.

Abandoned vineyards are a potential host of pests and diseases and can be a significant concern for neighbouring properties. Unfortunately it would seem that there is not relevant legislation that makes a basic level of care a legal requirement in South Australia. In our opinion farm owners have a moral obligation to manage the risk of an abandoned vineyard.

During vintage 2011 several abandoned vineyards in the McLaren Vale region greatly increased the levels of Powdery mildew and Downy mildew in adjoining vineyards.

Above: Approximate spread of Powdery mildew by January 2011. The 150 meter radius of disease affects five separate vineyards and significantly increases the disease pressure in these vineyards.

This vineyard was feature in our post - Vineyard Photos - What is looks like inside an abandoned vineyard.

It is now time to put pressure on farm owners who did not tend their vineyards last season. They need to be tended or pulled out for the sake of their neighbours and the sake of the wider grape industry.

Changes to AWRI Dogbook - What do they mean for you?

2011-07-26T15:46:00.010+09:30

Significant changes to the 2011/2012 'Dog Book' as of 26/7/2011.

1. New active constituents

Altacor

Altacor has been granted registration by the APVMA for control of Lightbrown Apple Moth and Grapevine Moth in grapes.

Altacor is a useful product for early season control of LBAM. It contains the active constituent chlorantraniliprole which is a group 28 insecticide.

Restriction on use for export grapes: Use no later than 80% Capfall.

ParaMite

ParaMite has been granted registration for control of Two-spotted Mite in grapes.

Restriction on use for export grapes: Use no later than 30 days before harvest.

This is not likely to be used by grape growers in southern South Australia as Two-spotted Mite is not a pest species in our regions.

Vivando

Vivando for control of Powdery Mildew in grapes.

Vivando is a CropCare product. It contains the active constituent metrafenone which is a group U8 fungicide.

Restriction on use for export grapes: Use no later than 80% capfall.

Vivando looks to be a useful product for early season powdery mildew control and compliments the other products that are available for early season control.

Revus

Revus has been granted registration by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) for control of Downy Mildew in grapevines.

It contains the active constituent mandipropamid which is a Group 40 fungicide. It is a different group to other Downy Mildew protectant like Copper or Mancozeb.

Resistance management strategy: DO NOT apply more than 3 sprays of Revus per season.

Restriction on use for export grapes: Use no later than E-L growth stage 26 (cap-fall complete).

Revus is considered to be an effective Downy Mildew protectant. Supplies are limited this season, but it looks a useful product going forward into the future.

2. New active combinations

Broadway

Broadway has been granted registration for control of a variety of weeds in vineyards. It contains the active constituent glyphosate (present as the isopropylamine salt) and carentrazone ethyl which are Group M and G herbicides respectively.

Broadway is a custom mix of Glyphosate and the spike Hammer/Spotlight.

3. Old active with new target

Filan

Filan has been granted registration by the APVMA for control of Powdery Mildew in grapevines. However it is not recommended to use as a Powdery Mildew product on its own.

Restriction on use for export grapes: Use no later than 5% capfall (E-L growth stage 19-20). Do not apply to any set berries.

PARAFFINIC OIL

BioPest has been granted registration for control of Powdery Mildew in grapevines.
BioPest is a mineral oil product.

Restriction on use for export grapes: Use no later than 80% capfall. This early WHP limits the usefulness of this product.

DUSTING SULFUR

Two dusting sulfur products are listed for Powdery Mildew control.
Restriction on use for domestic and export grapes: Use no later than 12 weeks before harvest.

Visit the AWRI here.

McLaren Vale Pruning Championship.

2011-07-25T09:20:00.017+09:30

The competitors lined up for the first heat. Each competitor had to prune three panels of vines as quickly as they could. These vines were then checked for accuracy and a five second penalty was given for each mistake.

It was a good social occasion and a great way to reward the people who work behind the scenes to make the McLaren Vale wine industry what it is today.

Our judges for this years event were Lyndon Elliott & Fred Osmond each with 50 years of experience. Derek Cameron acted as their assistant.

Pruning Competition Rules
1. Two-Bud Spurs Only,
2. Clean cuts, no 'butts',
3. No damaged spurs,
4. Upward pointed spurs where possible,
5. Spacing important without being necessary,
6. Wire and vine clean of prunings,

Pruners time = Time taken to prune three panels + 5 seconds added for each mistake.

The event was last run c. 1972 and has a long history going back to the 19th Century. Lyndon Elliott's father was a winner of the event in the 1940's.

Congratulations to this years winner of the McLaren Vale Pruning Championship, Jeremy O'Donald (above). Jeremy won, both his heat and the final, with his combination of speed and accuracy. Jeremy's adjusted time was 9:15. He only made ten faults.

In second place was 'Guri' who is part of the contractor gang run by Peter Ifould. Guri was a very energetic competitor and a very quick pruner. His adjusted time in the final was 9:35.

Daniel Wright powered home to third place with a time of 10:10.

Above - Phil Rayner and Andrew Tuck help clean up some vines.

You can see a full gallery of pictures on the DJ's Facebook site.

Bud Dissection Summary

2011-07-21T11:17:00.007+09:30

Matt Wilson has prepared these summary graphs of bud dissection data from our work this winter.

Bud dissections are a good tool in looking a vine health, and give us the first insight into the likely bunch numbers next harvest.

Summary Adelaide Hills and Fluerieu.

SUMMARYAdelaideHills&SouthernFleurieu2011

Summary of McLaren Vale.

SUMMARYMCLarenVale2011

Summary of Red Grape Varieties.

SUMMARYAllGIRed2011

Summary of White Grape Varieties.

SUMMARYAllGIWhite2011

Virus Testing.

2011-07-13T10:20:00.002+09:30

DJ's have just completed a round of virus testing for one of our clients considering top working this year.

Unfortunately this vineyard has tested positive to three viruses and is considered not suitable for top working.

Check out this link to the Virus Atlas - http://ucanr.org/sites/intvit/files/24513.pdf

McLaren Vale Hail Storm

2011-07-04T13:58:00.010+09:30

McLaren Vale was hit by a severe hail storm in the early afternoon of the 4th of July. Large hailstones fell all across the region, with the western edge of the town having very large stones and ice falls littering the ground.

We feel sorry for the pruners who got smashed by this hail on Rivers Lane. Luckily it looks like the vineyards were already deserted.

The hail also continued into the Adelaide Hills Wine Region. This picture of the K1 by Geoff Hardy Cellar Door looks as if it has snowed.

Low Bud Fruitfulness seen in vigourous vineyards.

2011-07-01T15:26:00.008+09:30

This season we are seeing an increase in the amount of bud primary bud necrosis seen when performing bud dissections.
We have seen problems with fruitfulness and have levels below 1 bunch per bud (inflorence primordia per bud), or high levels of bud death.

It is when you find blocks like these bud dissections come into their own as a vineyard tool.

Matthew Wilson says, "Vineyards with high levels of lateral shoot growth are showing low levels of fruitfulness. Primary bud necrosis seems to be common in vigorous vines and this is contributing to low fruitfulness this year."

Vine Scale

2011-06-17T08:36:00.006+09:30

In the vineyard vines are dormant. At this point one of the vine pests reported is Grapevine Scale - below.

Reports have been that scales have been seen in high numbers where they have been seen in previous years.

Cabernet Sauvignon, which has a tough bark, seems to help protect Vine Scale allowing their numbers to build up.

Vine Scale are commonly found in ‘hotspots’ generally in older vineyards.

Vine scales produce a number of eggs over several days. The eggs are laid under the cover of the adult "scales" which offer protection during development. The adult dies once it has laid its eggs. Eggs hatch into "crawlers", which are tiny legged creatures which settle down and become an immobile scale.

Table - Options for the control of scale (black IPM compatible, blue text IPM transition, not recommended in IPM vineyards). Information produced by http://cesar.org.au/

The scale insects' waxy covering makes them quite resistant to pesticides, which are only effective against the juvenile crawler stage. However, scales can be controlled through biological control by beneficial insects. Many wasp species lay eggs through the scales shell.

McLaren Vale Pruning Comp - Save the date!

2011-06-03T15:29:00.005+09:30

Friday 9th of July.

McLaren Vale Visitor Centre Vineyard - 3pm

We are bringing the McLaren Vale Pruning Competition back from the pages of history – (hats were mandatory during the 1923 comp at Reynella!)

Gather your best pruners. For a test of pruning speed and accuracy as judged by the ‘Legends of McLaren Vale.’

Competitor entry details to follow.

DJ's Custom Blending Service.

2011-05-21T09:23:00.004+09:30

Over the last two season DJ's, working with Peats Soil, The Original Green Co and Jefferies has worked on creating custom organic fertiliser blends suited to McLaren Vale soil types.

We have mixes for sand, red loam and clay plus we can tailor to your soil test results.

Blends include -

Organic Compost,

Lime, Dolomite, Gypsum,

Volanic Rock, Mushroom Compost,

Humate,

Wormsworks - vermicast.

Vintage Summary

2011-05-03T16:39:00.000+09:30

Vintage Summary 2011

New Organic Phosphorous and Calcium Fertiliser released.

2011-04-21T17:25:00.002+09:30

This fertiliser, Prolong looks very useful as an alternative to Single Super Phosphate (SSP).

Incitec Pivot Fertilisers (IPF) has released its Prolong fertiliser which is certified for organic input by NASAA (The National Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Australia Ltd.).

Prolong is bioactive phosphate fertiliser providing 10.0% P and 30.0% Ca.

Prolong is now available in one-tonne non-returnable bags from the Geelong Primary Distribution Centre (PDC).

Media Muddle - Is it the best or worst vintage?

2011-04-20T17:01:00.000+09:30

One of my personal pet hates is the constant drone of winery publicity relations proclaiming it to be the best ever. This season we have had also had of chorus of media proclamations stating it is the worst vintage ever.

What is truth and what is fiction?

My thoughts are on the Lazy Ballerina Website.

Tintara Winery

2011-04-12T10:38:00.000+09:30

The Tintara winery, then owned and operated by Thomas Hardy and Sons in 1986 with Pedlers Creek in flood.

This photo is taken from the old trainline looking north from approximately directly behind what is now Hilton Electrical.

McLaren Vale Fruit Packers Building c. 1979/1980

2011-04-11T10:32:00.007+09:30

From Andrew Tuck this is a classic photo of the Main Street of McLaren Vale thirty years ago. Andrew's family had just purchased the hardware store. Notice the Caltex petrol station on the far left.

Spotlight Plus Herbicide has new registrations.

2011-04-10T11:23:00.002+09:30

Spotlight Plus is now registered for desuckering in olives, prunes and as a general desuckering agent in tree fruit and nuts and assorted tropical and sub tropical fruit crops. This is in addition to being registered for weed control.

The new label is attached for your reference.
Spotlight Plus (RLP 49466) 23-03-11

Fulvic and Humic Acid

2011-04-08T16:06:00.003+09:30

DJ's now have the Fulvic and Humic acid available. These are sources of organic carbon and can also be important in a strategy to combat soil salinity.

Fulvic Acid can be used as a foliar spray or as a buffer with herbicides to lessen their impact on soil biota.
We Knowdjsfulvic

Humic Acid is ideal as a soil amendment. We Knowdjshumic

Grapevine Slippery Skins.

2011-04-06T08:53:00.007+09:30

Severe Botrytis is affecting grapevine skins. Many vineyards remaining to be picked have 'slippery skins.' These slippery skins are caused by internal Botrytis infections, aided by the disease's enzymes.

Botrytis produces enzymes that breaks down berry skins (left).

Many vineyards are reporting fruit falling off in front of the harvester because of this type of Botrytis infection. Unfortunately their is little that can be done to save fruit once high levels of botrytis break down berry skin.

Machinery for sale.

2011-04-04T13:16:00.007+09:30

DJ's has two pieces of machinery available for sale.

CASE SKIDSTEER BOBCAT Model 435

Year 2005 - delivered 2006. 3200 hours. Excellent condition, new tyres, full service. $25,000

MANITOU TELEHANDLER MT 1340 SLT

Year 2004 - delivered 2006. 2900 hours Full service. Excellent condition with forks and front end bucket. $57,500

Contact Richard Harvey, m: 0488961133 or (08) 85561133 Email: richardharvey@live.co.uk

Botrytis & berry breakdown - UPDATE

2011-03-30T10:47:00.005+10:30

Some vineyards are starting to have berry skin breakdown and shrivel. This seems to be due to wet conditions that the vines have experienced. For these vineyards the end of the season has come and we expect them to only further worsen and have more skin breakdown.

Above - Berry skin breakdown with some botrytis.

One of the challenges this berry breakdown causes is the effect of managing the fungus Botrytis cinerea. When the Botrytis fungus infects red grapes it produces the laccase enzyme.

Why is Laccase a problem?

This enzyme degrades the lignin and oxidizes the red pigments. In wine, this enzyme causes a reaction that turns the wine brown and detrimentally affects it smell and taste. Browning of the red pigments is caused by an oxidation reaction, which laccase ‘catalyses’ or speeds up.

Laccase is a difficult problem for wine makers to manage as the enzyme can survive the fermentation process, has low sensitivity to sulphur dioxide (this is added to many wines as a preservative) and thrives in the natural pH of wine. This means the laccase enzyme will be present in the wine end product. Consumers would not like this as the flavour and colour is not what they expect, like or paid for (no one wants a brown wine!). And because oxygen is required for the laccase reaction, the consumer doesn’t know the wine is bad until the bottle is opened.

The laccase enzyme targets ‘phenolics’. Phenolics are the coloured compounds or pigments in grapes. These are found in the skins (the most common pigments are anthocyanins). When laccase and the phenolics come into contact, an oxidiation reaction occurs.

Red wine turns brown!

Do you sell to a winery that only sells wine domestically?

2011-03-23T16:44:00.002+10:30

Note that AWRI witholding periods are for exported wine. In emergency situations you should consult your winery and see if you can use products inside there export withholding periods.

Weather update - McLaren Vale - Botrytis increasing but some hope of a good harvest.

2011-03-23T12:06:00.008+10:30

We have spent the last two days in and out of vineyards in McLaren Vale. We are worried, but consider ourselves quite fortunate. Considering what is being reported from vineyards in Langhorne Creek, Currency Creek, Adelaide Hills we are grateful in McLaren Vale for our luck with the weather.

Where Chardonnay, Sauv Blanc etc have already been harvested, they have come off in good condition. What white varieties that remain unpicked are now developing high levels of botrytis bunch rot and are unlikely to be suitable for making table wine if they are not picked immediately.

Cabernet Sauvignon is still in good condition and could hold together the 7-14 days needed to develop full ripeness.

Viognier, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Grenache have varying amounts of bunch rot. Some sites are in quite good condition at the moment, especially where canopies are open and/or good flowering and prebunch botrytis treatments were applied, other sites have 10-20% infections and are likely to be downgraded or not suitable for winemaking.

McLaren Vale's A & B grade Shiraz will be mostly harvested by middle of next week and is still in good condition with less than 1% bunch bot. A & B grade fruit would account for around 20-30% of the district.
The better C grade Shiraz vineayrds are also holding with only 1-5 single berries of bunch infection per panel, ie less than 1%. These vineyards are sitting around 12.5 – 13.5 baume and many will be harvested by the end of next week.

All up this would see around 70-80% of the Shiraz crop harvested in good condition.

Areas of heavier canopy and where canopy manipulation, irrigation management has been poor we do have some Shiraz crops in trouble, with continued rain today, we may lose 5-10% of the Shiraz crop.

We are hopeful that a good harvest can still occur if the weather clears. The majority of the botrytis we are seeing has come from single berries with latent infection.

If we get dry weather we would expect these berries/bunches to shrivel and fall off.

We are on the edge at present - and hope for dry conditions.

Derek Cameron & James Hook

Proprietors/Senior Horticultural Consultants

Botrytis Fact Sheet.

2011-03-22T16:03:00.000+10:30

BotrytisFactSheet

Botrytis & berry breakdown - UPDATE

2011-03-21T14:58:00.007+10:30

Heavy rain on the evening of Sunday the 20th of March has been ideal for Botrytis Bunch rot. Very high humidity in vineyards has seen an increase in Botrytis - with fresh sporulation seen. In some cases Botrytis has appeared in vineyards that were clean at the end of last week.

Above and Below - Heavy bunched Shiraz and Chardonnay has suffered from a large increase in the about of Botrytis in the last 24 hours.

In many situations vineyards will need to be picked as soon as possible, or the fruit will not be sound for harvest. If fruit is close to harvest ripeness then it should get 'over the line', the main concern is for vigourous Shiraz vineyards and Grenache in McLaren Vale, The Barossa and Langhorne Creek, plus any white grapes that haven't been harvested yet.

Advanced Downy Mildew - UPDATE

2011-03-17T16:07:00.005+10:30

Very serious infections of Downy Mildew are now obvious in vineyards that were not adequately protected this growing season. This is showing up as severe leaf burning (below).

The main concern is that these heavily infected vineyards are defoliating, by infected leaves falling off and may not be able to ripen their crops.

CropWatch 1011_vol8_31

WineGrape Council SA- ‘Wine grape growers facing another decade of oversupply?’

2011-03-16T10:20:00.001+10:30

Media release from the WineGrape Council SA.

What do you think? Will grape businesses break under the strain of the high Australian dollar.MediaRelease_WGCSA_16March11

Botrytis & berry breakdown.

2011-03-09T17:19:00.006+10:30

Above - Berry skin breakdown in Shiraz after 24 hours of wet conditions.
Below - Botrytis has increased in both Red and White varieties after widespread wet conditions. In many cases grapes will be harvest ripe within the next 7-10 days and using late season sprays is not practical.

Downy Mildew Update - 8/3/2011

2011-03-08T15:29:00.004+10:30

Above - Severe oilspot infection on this abandoned vineyard near Willunga has caused leaves to fall out of the canopy.

Below - The vineyard neighboring the abandoned vineyard shown above has struggled to keep their leaves clean. While they have done a good job of keeping up a protective cover before rain events oilspots can clearly be seen.

Botrytis in Chardonnay - Update.

2011-03-07T15:14:00.002+10:30

Berry skins in Chardonnay are breaking down. The level of Botrytis has increased in the last 7 days and most vineyards have some signs of bunch infection. Single berry infections of Botrytis that were seen last week have spread to now take up 5-10% of berries in bunches.

Botrytis and Berry Splitting Update

2011-02-22T17:12:00.008+10:30

Since the weekend we have been busy monitoring for weather damage in vineyards.

High rainfall events during ripening commonly causes the skin of grape berries to split - fortunately it seems damage has been limited with most vineyards escaping with minimal splitting. Typically less than 1% damage has been seen.

Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc are the main concern where some botrytis has been seen to develop in the last 72 hours (above). We have also seen one vineyard of Shiraz in Blewitt Springs and one vineyard of Grenache that is developing botrytis bunch rot.

Botrytis in Chardonnay.

2011-02-18T09:20:00.006+10:30

As bunches become tighter, sugar levels increase and the risk of berries detaching from the bunch stems increases which can lead to the release of juice within the bunch.

Conventional Late Season Fungicides.

PMS - (Potassium metabisulphite) dries out the bunch and can help heal berry splitting. PMS rates higher than 3kg per 1000 litres are needed and the pH of the spray solution should be adjusted to between 2.9 and 3.0 using 1.5 kg 100% tartaric acid per 1000L.

Dicarboximides - Rovral, Chief, Corvette etc should be applied as an acidic spray tank mix (water pH less than 7) to be stable. 1kg/1000lts of tartaric acid, citric acid or similar, or a commercial buffer- tradenames include AGRI-BUFFER will acidify the water and lower pH.

Check with winery requirements before spraying, particularly in vineyards that are within 14 days of harvest.

Conventional vs Organic Late Season Botryticides

2011-02-15T11:15:00.003+10:30

Botrytis risk is most severe where excessive nitrogen has been used, where air circulation is poor, or where apple moth or other factors have damaged bunches. Rotted berries typically have a gray cast of the mycelium and spore-bearing structures present which gives the disease its common name - Grey Rot.

Conventional Late Season Fungicides

Dicarboximides - Rovral, Chief, Corvette etc should be applied as an acidic spray tank mix (water pH less than 7) to be stable. 1kg/1000lts of tartaric acid, citric acid or similar, or a commercial buffer- tradenames include AGRI-BUFFER will acidify the water and lower pH.

PMS - (Potassium metabisulphite) dries out the bunch and can help heal berry splitting. PMS rates higher than 3kg per 1000 litres are needed and the pH of the spray solution should be adjusted to between 2.9 and 3.0 using 1.5 kg 100% tartaric acid per 1000L.

Organic Botryticides Options.

Information for control of late season Botrytis in Vineyards is difficult to get reliable, scientific trial results on.

Peratec® is a formulation of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. It may work as a broad spectrum surface sterilant. If you are in a tough situation it maybe a valid option, but note the following; Peratec® can be difficult product to find in retailer stores. It is recommended that this product is pre-ordered and stocked in your chemicla store for use as weather requires.

Snakeoil or saviour?

2011-02-02T17:28:00.001+10:30

How do you tell the value of alternative fertilizer products?

Over the last few seasons, especially during droughts and heatwaves, the farmers that use biological principles – like increasing soil health and soil life – are seeing results. We are focusing on using biological products on a widescale and helping bringing a focus on soil health into mainstream farming practices.

But how do you tell snake oil from genuine product?

Every year many products circulate the market claiming to replace commercial fertilizers, to make nutrients in the soil more available, to cost less than traditional fertilizers, to supply micronutrients, or to be a natural product. While some of the claims may be true, more often they are not, or at best are partially true.

The types of products being advertised can be broadly assigned to three categories: soil activators, wetting agents or surfactants, and soil conditioners. Some products are said to introduce beneficial organisms or to stimulate existing soil microbes. While these so-called soil activators might increase microbial activity, their effect compared to what is already present in the soil can be considered a drop in the bucket that does not translate into improved yield.

Products sold as wetting agents or surfactants are successfully used to improve the surface coverage of insecticides and herbicides by reducing water surface tension. However, there is not as much independent evidence for using such products to improve water infiltration and retention in the soil or to loosen compacted soils.
Products advertised as soil conditioners are designed to improve the physical condition of the soil and thus enhance aeration, root growth, and water retention. The typical products in this category contain humates and humic acid, or some other type of organic material mixed with inorganic elements such as rock phosphate, limestone, or some other mined mineral that has been ground.

The best approach with new products is caution. If the product is being advertised to make nutrients more available in the soil, ask yourself, if the product increases the availability of a particular nutrient, how can it increase yields (as is being advertised) in a field where that nutrient is already present in adequate amounts? Other points to consider are: Do I have problems with this nutrient on my farm? Have I seen micronutrient deficiencies there? More often than not you will find that you do not need the product, and if you discover that you are lacking in a particular nutrient it is better to invest in products that have been proven through time.

People promoting new products are well versed in selling techniques and can be very persuasive. If you become convinced that you really need a given product, or you are simply curious to find out how well it works, take a conservative approach. Apply it only on an experimental basis so you can be your own judge. Trial work is the key to really assessing the value of what you apply.

For more information contact james@djsgrowers.com.au

Vineyard Photos - What is looks like inside an abandoned vineyard.

2011-01-30T11:45:00.006+10:30

An increasing number of vineyard owners are abandoning their properties because they believe the vineyards are unsustainable. Abandoned and mothballed vineyards are becoming a serious issue for us in McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills. It is an issue all around Australia.

Those who are unfortunate to be a neighbour of an abandoned vineyard, are suffering increased pest and weed management pressure due to the diseases that are being passed on from vine to vine.

Limiting this transmission of disease is greatly increasing the cost of grape growing, and in some cases 'good crops' have become to diseased to be harvested.

This season has seen a huge build up of Powdery Mildew (below) and Downy Mildew in abandoned vineyards; however these diseases are not quarantinable and council or our government has no authority to require the removal of diseased vines.

Victor has some legislation - Plant Health & Plant Products Act 1995 (Section 12) - which talks of 'notifiable diseases' and 'control orders' being able to be issued in cases of disease.

A summary is listed here -

If a property is deemed infested, DPI has the power to order a property owner to destroy declared pests and diseases on their property if they pose a threat or are adversely affecting adjoining properties. If you have any concerns about a vineyard or orchard in your area being an actual source of pests and diseases and its potential to spread onto your property, the first step is to initiate a discussion with the owner and seek to resolve the issue.

In South Australia we urgently need some ability to control abandoned vineyards and stop the spread of disease.

As a community we need legislation that removes abandoned vineyard blocks to reduce sources of pest infestations and disease load.

Downy Mildew Update - 29/1/2011

2011-01-29T11:18:00.006+10:30

In the Adelaide Hills - Downy Mildew oilspots continue to stay alive and in some cases are increasing in size and damaging berry stems causing fruit to dry out (below).

In all regions - We can see fresh oilspots from the Secondary Infection on the 13th and 14th of January. These new Downy Oilspots are of a small size and are beginning to turn red. Favourable weather including heavy dews in the Adelaide Hills have cause some advanced Downy Mildew infections to form a mosaic pattern on leaves (below).

Secondary infection conditions are quite different to primary infections and
can occur outside of a 10:10:24. For a secondary infection to occur there must be existing oilspots in the vineyard or located nearby. Unfortunately this season a high percentage of vineyards have been spreading Downy Mildew into those around them.

2010/2011 Downy Mildew Summary.

1) 10:10:24 Primary Event – 30th October - This was confirmed by the finding of Oilspots from this 10:10:24 Event in mid-November.

2) & 3) Two Downy Mildew Secondary Events (Warm, Wet Nights) 12th and 14th of November.

4) One Downy Mildew Secondary Event (Warm, Wet Night) - 24th of November.

5) One Downy Mildew Secondary Event (Warm, Wet Night)- 7th of December.

6) Two Downy Mildew Secondary Events (Warm, Wet Nights) - 13th and 14th of January.

Botrytis seen in 'green fruit.'

2011-01-21T16:47:00.008+10:30

Different varieties have a different of risk of bunch rots. It helps to consider botrytis risk in terms of rain events.

High risk varieties have tight bunches and thin berry skins.

Botrytis risk

High = Sav. Blanc, Riesling, Grenache, Semillon, Chenin Blanc

Medium = Viognier, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, big bunched Shiraz,
Sangiovese, Mataro/Mouvedre, Petit Verdot, Verdelho

Low = Small bunched Shiraz, Merlot

Very Low = Cabernet Sauvignon

There are exceptions to these rules- different vineyard sites, croploads, canopy management and chemical strategy have an effect on the amount of rain a block can receive before showing signs of disease.

If heavy rain occurs and your grapes are riper than 9o Baume look inside the canopy for any evidence, especially in thin-skinned and tight bunched varieties. Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Grenache, Chardonnay & Viognier are the first varieties that will show problems.

Botrytis needs significant rain or heavy dews to spread. If the weather remains fine any botrytis infections will hold to harvest and not significantly affect wine.

Be alert for rain in the next few weeks and assess your vineyard for any moulds. ALWAYS consult your grower liaison officer or winemaker before spraying for botrytis.

Downy Mildew Sporulation from 13/14th of January.

2011-01-15T11:14:00.001+10:30

Downy Mildew Update 13/1/2011

2011-01-13T09:56:00.002+10:30

Adelaide Hills, Langhorne Creek and McLaren Vale vineyards have experienced a Downy Mildew Secondary Event, warm wet night on the 13th and 14th of January. This is the 6th Downy Event of the year. We have seen fresh spores and down on the backs of oilspots.

Oilspots on a fresh leaf in the Adelaide Hills.

Growers will have to keep their vineyards covered with a Downy Mildew Protectant Fungicide as close as possible to harvest.

1) 10:10:24 Primary Event – 30th October - This was confirmed by the finding of Oilspots from this 10:10:24 Event in mid-November.

2) & 3) Two Downy Mildew Secondary Events (Warm, Wet Nights) 12th and 14th of November.

4) One Downy Mildew Secondary Event (Warm, Wet Night) - 24th of November.

5) One Downy Mildew Secondary Event (Warm, Wet Night)- 7th of December.

Downy Mildew Update - 5/1/2011

2011-01-05T08:21:00.006+10:30

The damaging effect of Downy Mildew, from secondary events in November and early December, can be seen on bunches.

In McLaren Vale, where damage is very low, some early estimates put the crop loss at 2%. For fruit that is worth $1000 per tonne @ 4 tonne to the acre this is a reduction in gross profit of $100 per acre.

Above- Infection on flowers at Berry Set (EL 29) in the Adelaide Hills. This region has sporadic damage, some vineyards have very significant crop losses, while others have much less damage.

Downy Mildew Update - 22/12/2010

2010-12-22T10:54:00.007+10:30

Oilspots are visible from the Downy Mildew Secondary Event on the 7/8th of December.

In McLaren Vale sites have been identified that have significant Downy Mildew. In some cases these are abandoned vineyards, or rouge vines around housing, shedding or old farms (shown below). These vines are acting like 'disease bombs' and are spreading Downy Mildew. Some of these sites have most of the vines leaf surface covered with Downy Mildew.

Unfortunately in the Adelaide Hills Downy Mildew has spread onto bunches, which remain open to infection until they are approximately 4-5mm in size (shown above).

The most obvious sign of Downy Mildew is leaf oilspots and leave surface infection (shown below).

Downy Mildew Update - 14/12/2010

2010-12-14T17:43:00.009+10:30

Downy Mildew Oilspots have been seen spread from Downy Mildew secondary events in November.

We are expecting to see further spread from the Downy Mildew Secondary Event (Warm,Wet Night) that occurred on the 7th/8th of December. Oilspots from this event are predicted to become visible on or about the 16th of December.

Check vineyards now. If you find any oilspots tag them. We have found oilspots in the area roughly outlined below. Even if you are outside of this area - you still need to check for oilspots.

Above - Older oilspots have a burnt look but have white down on the underside of the leaf.

Left & Below - Oilspots can often look very plain when seen from the front, but once they are turned over the infection becomes obvious. Picture here is the same fresh Downy Mildew oilspot seen from the front and back.

The 'bag test' indicates active downy mildew.

Pour clean water into an empty, sealable plastic bag, shake the contents, then empty to leave the bag lightly moistened.

Collect fresh leaves or bunches suspected of having downy. Seal them in the bag and leave overnight in the dart at 20°C to 25°c.

Next morning, white down will have developed on the undersides of oilspots with active downy mildew or on young bunches (berries < 5 mm).

Near Maps has updated 19th of November

2010-12-13T12:06:00.000+10:30

View the latest images of McLaren Vale here.

Downy in McLaren Vale

2010-12-10T08:40:00.005+10:30

While McLaren Vale does not have the same risk of Downy Mildew as the surrounding regions - the levels of oilspots we have seen in the last 48 hours has increased dramatically (below).

Downy Mildew spreads very quickly. We are expecting to see more spread from the rain on the 7th and 8th of December. We haven't seen this yet - Downy Mildew takes some time to incubate before it is visible. We are predicting the spread from December 7/8th will be visible on or about the 16th of December.

Many growers will panic when they see these Downy Mildew oilspots - but remember fruit past Berries Peasize is considered immune from infection (although leaves and bunch racchi can get infected at any stage of the season).

A low risk option is to spray any unprotected vineyards with a registered post-infection Downy Mildew product - remember that this needs to occur before Saturday to stop the increase in the

For specific advise you can ring DJ's on - 8323 8339, or my mobile direct - 0400656350.

Downy Mildew Update - OUTBREAK in the Adelaide Hills. Langhorne Creek flood plain and Currency Creek.

2010-12-09T15:37:00.018+10:30

The Adelaide Hills Wine Region, Langhorne Creek & Currency Creek and parts of the Southern Fleurieu are at risk of crop loss due to Downy Mildew;

Weather conditions, as outlined below have caused a build up of the disease to levels that pose a significant danger. This build up has occur in spite of growers keeping up protection as best they could. The weather this season has made keeping a 100% coverage very difficult.

1) 10:10:24 Primary Event – 30th October - This was confirmed by the finding of Oilspots from this 10:10:24 Event in mid-November.

2) & 3) Two Downy Mildew Secondary Events (Warm, Wet Nights) 12th and 14th of November.
- This was confirmed by secondary oilspot spread onto fresh leaf surfaces (pictured below).

4) One Downy Mildew Secondary Event (Warm, Wet Night) - 24th of November.
- This was confirmed by further secondary oilspot spread including some onto flowering bunches (pictured below).

5) One Downy Mildew Seconday Event (Warm, Wet Night)- 7th of December.

What does this mean?

More Downy Mildew Oilspots and bunch damage will occur when the spread of Downy Mildew from event 5) on the 7th of December incubates and becomes visible.

The Adelaide Hills is having a Downy Mildew outbreak – and because vineyards are flowering - if left uncontrolled this will affect vineyard yields. Other regions that are later have a reduced risk of crop loss - but if more Downy Mildew Secondary Events occur oilspot levels could build up to a level that defoliates vineyards.

Get specific advice for your situation.

Gwr 074downymildewqa PDF r3

The Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation (GWRDC) have put together the attached document on Downy Mildew answering Frequently Asked Questions. This has been assembled by Dr Peter Magarey (of Magarey Plant Pathology).

The summer storms over McLaren Vale - 7th December

2010-12-08T14:31:00.001+10:30

The build up.

The thunder storm wave. Photo by Peter Kennedy.

The wind did howl, and the wind did moan.

The hot road steams after the first storm passes.

The vine canopies drip wet.

The second thundercell passes over Paxton Vineyards Thomas block.

The third wave storm over the bones of the ol' Tatachilla winery.

Downy Mildew - where it is and what is looks like.

2010-12-06T17:06:00.006+10:30

Downy Mildew Map of McLaren Vale.

As of the 6/12/2010.

Red Circles have 1 to 5 Downy Mildew Oilspots per 50 meters of vineyard row and Secondary Spread. Black circle has a higher level.

Downy Mildew Oilspots- Back of leaf has characteristic white down (above) - front of the leaf looks like it is a burnt spot (below).

Insects in the vineyard.

2010-12-02T14:06:00.007+10:30

Vine Moth

Light Brown Apple Moth

Wingless Grasshoppers & Locusts

Wingless Grasshoppers and locust have been seen in McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills vineyards. In general levels are low and surrounding grassland and pastures have enough green feed to support the locusts limiting any significant damage to grapevines (below).

Late nymph and adult locust eat green feed during summer. They tend to move from nearby drying pastures and crops into vineyards during December to February where there is a source of green feed. They prefer to feed on tender young shoots and leaves and leave a smooth edge to their feeding area. The vine rows nearest the drying pastures and crops tend to be most damaged.

Powdery Mildew Pressure is very high.

2010-12-01T13:22:00.001+10:30

Humid and warm weather conditions are causing vineyards to be at a high risk of developing Powdery mildew infections.

Powdery mildew has been spreading this week. Most monitored Chardonnay vineyards now have some signs of the disease.

Flag-shoots have been detected in blocks within the district. Cleistothecia infections have developed further with large, shaded, humid canopies aiding the development and spread of the disease (below).

If there is any sign of Powdery in your vineyard, apply two sprays of a suitable registered fungicide at 10-day intervals in attempt to stop the disease increasing. For Powdery protection avoid spraying wettable sulfur at high temperatures (>35oC) when the humidity is >70% within 24 hours of spraying. Growers can opt to use Legend in hot weather to avoid sulfur burning. This allows them to keep up the protection on your vineyard.

McLaren Vale's Geology Map Project continues...

2010-11-30T12:04:00.008+10:30

Today James met with McLaren Vale Geology Map co-author Jeff Olliver to do some ground truthing of the McLaren Vale Geology Map. Vineyard owners the Ledson family were kind enough to show us soil pits they have dug in their paddock.

The paddock is directly south west of Manning's Scrub in an area that used to be a market garden at the turn of the 20th century. Later in the sites history the paddock was mined for sand.

The geology under the sand is Pirramimma Sandstone, with seams of Ironstone.

Left - The formation of Ironstone occurs when sand, which has iron leached through it, is bound together and turns into rock (below). Ironstone is widespread source of iron (Fe), although it only contains less than 50 percent iron, far less than the main source of iron that is mined in central Australia hematite.

Downy Mildew

2010-11-25T10:48:00.001+10:30

ADELAIDE HILLS – RED ALERT.

Last night, the 24th of November was a Downy Mildew Secondary Spread Event.

The Adelaide Hills Wine Region has had;

1) 10:10:24 Primary Event – 30th October
2) Confirmed oilspots from this 10:10:24 Event.
3) Two Downy Mildew Secondary Events (Warm, Wet Nights) 12th and 14th of November.
4) Confirmed secondary oilspot spread including some onto inflorescences.
5) A further Downy Mildew Secondary Event occurred which will spread oilspots onto vineyards that WERE NOT PROTECTED with good coverage of a Downy Mildew protectant in the last 5 days.

What does this mean?

The Adelaide Hills is likely to have a Downy Mildew outbreak – and because vineyards are pre-flowering - if left uncontrolled this will affect vineyard yields.

Get specific advice for your situation.

CropWatch - 101126

MCLAREN VALE –

South of McLaren Vale has no known Downy Mildew and Downy is unlikely to affect harvest or vineyard yields. We will advise if we find any oilspots.

North of McLaren Vale, it is wise to keep up protection before any further rain events as we have seen minor secondary spread north of McLaren Flat. We assume that the Clarendon region at risk of Downy spread as the weather has been similar to the southern Adelaide Hills where we know we have Downy Oilspots.

CURRENCY CREEK –

Get specific advice. Keep an eye out for Downy Mildew oilspots (below).

Pest and Disease Update.

2010-11-23T09:13:00.010+10:30

Flowering is underway in all varieties in McLaren Vale. Adelaide Hills vineyards are about 2-3 weeks away.

Conditions have been ideal for a successful flowering and berry set. Capfall has occurred rapidly in all varieties in all locations. Later blocks and varieties will complete flowering over the coming days. Shiraz Blocks should finish flowering next week. Chardonnay will begin setting berries next week.

The season is about 3 weeks later than last year and about a week later than the 2004, 2005 and 2006 vintages, which we not significantly affected by droughts, or heat waves.

Powdery Mildew

Powdery Mildew is a creeping disease. It ‘hides’ deep in the canopy. Under humid overcast conditions Powdery multiples more quickly. Powdery doesn’t need rain to spread, but it does do well in the humid conditions before and after rain showers.

Many hours during recent days and nights have had temperatures between 20 and 28oC - this means that the temperature for Powdery has been ideal favouring maximum production of spores.

We have seen some very significant Powdery Mildew in poorly covered vineyards (below).

We believe Powdery Mildew pressure is very high this season – and growers should take care to keep up a good coverage over flowering.

The good news is good coverage = good disease control. Good effective sprays now before the canopy gets too big to spray are worthwhile.

Downy Mildew

Downy Mildew is a wet disease and needs rain to start its lifecycle. Some Downy Mildew has been seen in any Adelaide Hills vineyards. This confirms that regions CropWatch’s recommendations that a Downy Mildew infection occurred when 10:10:24 Primary Event conditions were recorded at the end of October.

Berries that are bigger than peasize (EL 31) are resistant though the bunch stalks and the leaves remain susceptible.

Growers in the Adelaide Hills must protect their vineyards as close as possible to any Downy Mildew secondary events (warm, wet nights). These warm, wet nights spread Downy Mildew onto unprotected leaves and bunches.

Vineyards in Currency Creek have a low level of Downy Mildew and should take a similar approach to growers in the Adelaide Hills.

McLaren Vale only have one confirmed vineyard with Downy Mildew at McLaren Flat. Caution is needed in the district, and if more rain events occur keeping up protection with registered Downy Mildew products is a low risk strategy.

Light Brown Apple Moth

Check your flowers for signs of caterpillar damage. Apple moth damage is usually found in ‘hotspots’. If you find one damaged flower like this (above) check other bunches and in nearby leaves for more apple moth activity.

We have seen a big increase in the number of newly hatched Apple Moth in all subregions of McLaren Vale. We are also beginning to see Apple Moth in the Adelaide Hills.

Vine Moth have also hatched in vineyards over the last 14 days. These hatchings are also found in hotspots or clusters (left).

Botrytis

Botryis Bunch Rot needs rain or moisture to spread. Any Botrytis present in your vineyard now is ‘dormant’ inside your berries or present in small amounts on any flower caps or dead plant material trapped inside bunches as they close. No rain before harvest = no botrytis.

Winning the War - Downy Mildew control.

2010-11-14T13:24:00.001+10:30

DownyMildewFactShee

Powdery Mildew - RED ALERT

2010-11-12T16:02:00.010+10:30

Weather conditions in the last 48 hours have caused Powdery Mildew to spread rapidly in poorly protected vineyards. These pictures were all taken today and show very fresh sporulation and leaf, stem and, most concerning infloresence infection - below.

Once established in a vineyard like this Powdery Mildew is almost impossible to remove. Powdery Mildew is a creeping disease. It ‘hides’ deep in the canopy. Under humid overcast conditions Powdery multiples more quickly.

Powdery doesn’t need rain to spread, but it does do well in the humid conditions before and after rain showers.

In the vineyard pictured the level of powdery mildew is already threatening to affect the quality of the fruit and leaf infections are very easy to see - below.

Powdery is a MAJOR concern in blocks which have a history of disease.

The good news is good coverage = good disease control. Good effective sprays now before the canopy gets too big to spray are worthwhile.

Some chance of a Downy Mildew Primary Event in McLaren Vale / Adelaide Hills.

2010-11-10T11:43:00.003+10:30

DJ's uses Spraywise Decisions to predict weather events as they are forecast.

Spray Wise 10112010

The weather expected on Friday the 12th of November and Saturday the 13th of November has some chance of being a Downy Mildew Primary Event (10:10:24) and / or a Downy Mildew Secondary Event (Warm, wet night).

For the McLaren Vale / southern Adelaide Hills region, rain is predicted to begin at 10am on Friday the 12/11. This is expected to last until 9pm the same day.

Looking at the data as predicted, weather conditions will ONLY be favourable for Downy Mildew if vineyards stay wet between 10am Friday and the start of the rain on Saturday. If they dry out in between the 24 hours of leaf wetness needed for a Downy Mildew Primary Event(10:10:24) is unlikely.

A Downy Mildew Secondary Event (Warm. wet night) may occur if rain is still falling during the four hours before dawn on Sunday morning. This is concern of the Adelaide Hills region including Range Rd, which MIGHT have Downy Mildew oilspots from a probable Primary Event on the 27th/28th of October, and also McLaren Flat which has had a confirmed oilspot.

For most vineyards the threat of Downy Mildew is low, but it pays to get specific advice and keep up Downy Mildew protection if more rain events occur in the next month.

First Downy Mildew oilspot has been seen in McLaren Vale.

2010-11-09T18:30:00.006+10:30

Matthew Wilson has found a single oilspot in McLaren Flat confirming the thoughts of McLaren Vale CropWatch and the DJ's staff that McLaren Flat was likely to have some Downy Mildew from the weather of the 29th and 30th of October.

Above - A single oilspot that has been put through the Downy Mildew bag test to confirm it is a 'real' oilspot.

What does this mean?

Downy Mildew is a rare disease and one oilspot does not mean an outbreak will occur. It is not the time for panic spraying.

What we do think is this;

Firstly, we can have confidence in the weather data from the McLaren Vale CropWatch weather station. It showed a very near miss for a Downy Mildew (10:10:24 Event), which meant that there was some chance of oilspots occuring nearby where the weather was slightly wetter for a longer time.

Secondly, growers in the Northern half of McLaren Vale should keep up Downy Mildew protection in few that rain is forecast for Saturday.

As always if you have any questions about your specific situtation ring us on 08 8323 8339.

Riverland - Downy Mildew Status as of 5pm 9/11/2010

2010-11-09T09:51:00.014+10:30

RED ALERT

Primary Event and multiple secondary events have caused a Downy Mildew Outbreak to begin. Rain is expected to be suitable for further Downy Mildew secondary events, warm wet nights, on Saturday and Sunday.

Our sources in the Riverland have taken these photos showing what to look out for.

Left - Downy Mildew on infloresences after an overnight bag test. Right & Below - Downy Mildew spread on leaves.

Get professional advice - Now! Downy Mildew is a rare disease and as such needs specialist advice specific for your situation.

With vines rapidly growing - there will be a much shorter period of effective cover. Shorten the intervals and don't assume that just because sprays went on that you have avoided infection.

Be sceptical of rain fastness with over 25mm of rain. If over this amount of rain occurs it is likely to wash off most of your protection.

If in any doubt - and primary infection (10:10:24) and/or a secondary infection (warm, wet, night) is confirmed - spray with metalaxyl rather than relying on the action of protectants. This is especially relevant with patches that will suffer fungal attack from subsequent secondary infections at / close to flowering.

You cannot kill oilspots once they are visible. You can only control their spread.

Unless effective action is taken now, yield loss is likely in the Riverland this season as infloresences are vunerable to infection at this stage of the season, Capfall, EL 19-25.

Stock shortages of Downy Mildew products as the Riverland faces Downy outbreak.

2010-11-09T09:46:00.007+10:30

Grapegrowers are finding it difficult to get hold of Downy Mildew products this season.

Derek Cameron reports there are two reasons for this;

He says,

One, the wet broadacre season, particularly in the eastern states, has seen Downy protectants soaked up by the Lentil, Bean, Chickpea market, an example is they created a permit for Captan for Lentils after all other products were sold out, and this saw all of SA’s forecast for Captan go east in a week (even though I had ordered mine in February). More supplies of this are coming, but probably too late.

Two, the amount above does not explain the shortage of Sulphur. It is likely that thee GFC has seen suppliers focus strongly on reducing stored stock. The financial position of NuFarm (which is also CropCare) the two major suppliers of Sulphur (CropCare make Top Wettable, Kumulus, Notion etc) has also not helped. Nufarm has been tightening its belt in response to its profit bottom line.

This shortage has lead to a potentially dangerous situation as a Downy Mildew outbreak is occuring in the Riverland and Mildura regions of South Eastern Australia. It it likely to become nescessary to lobby the industry and specifically wine companies purchasing the fruit this season to allow the use of Phos. Acid as an eradicant Downy Mildew measure.

Derek also thinks that other products can be used when under Downy Mildew pressure;

I would consider Flint/Cabrio similar to Copper/Mancozeb/Captan/Chlorothalonil as a protectant against Downy. The extra advantage of Flint/Cabrio over the others is they have the ability to redistribute with moisture which helps with expanding bunches. They are strongly bound to green tissue which also helps bunches.

Tractor Action Grinds McLaren Vale to a standstill.

2010-11-02T18:40:00.002+10:30

FROM THE ABC.

Communities directly affected by the South Australian Government's development plans have rallied against housing proposals.

But SA Planning Minister Paul Holloway says they will have to wear population increases to help cater for Adelaide's expansion.

Some were angered by a planned housing estate at Seaford Heights.

"Change the face of McLaren Vale [and it] won't have the appeal for tourists that'll want to come here and spend their dollar here, said one.

The protesters brought McLaren Vale to a standstill as they made clear their views.

Their convoy travelled to a Seaford Heights winery, just metres from where more than 1,000 homes are to be built.

Mount Barker residents are also keeping up the pressure against Government plans to rezone Adelaide Hills farmland for housing.

Opponent Ian Grosser vowed the fight would continue.

"We'll maintain the rage yes. Unfortunately the Planning Minister, despite the opposition, shows no sign of backing down," he said.

Mr Holloway defended expansion plans.

"What we're trying to do is to say 'Well look, if we're going to have the growth, let's try and contain it to a few centres, let's try and make that efficient so that we can provide the infrastructure that's necessary'," he said.

The Minister said the land at Seaford was earmarked for development two decades ago.

Powdery Mildew Photos

2010-11-01T11:17:00.006+10:30

We have found Powdery Mildew in 4 vineyards - including flagshoots and heavy infestations as pictured above and below.

BE ALERT. MAKE SURE YOUR GET GOOD COVERAGE AND KEEP YOUR SPRAY INTERVALS CLOSE IF YOU HAVE PROBLEM VINEYARDS.

Downy Mildew Report - McLaren Vale

2010-11-01T10:28:00.007+10:30

CropWatch 1011_vol8_12

McLaren Vale - Generally very good news. The region has missed out on a widespread Downy Mildew Event.

Looking at the weather over the week I predict the following will happen.

A very small amount of Downy Mildew Oilspots will become visible after an incubation period of 7-10 days IN VINEYARDS THAT WEREN'T PROTECTED with a Downy Mildew fungicide in days before the rain.

It will take vineyards monitors a few weeks to find these, as there won't be many.

These oilspots will be only in locations that stayed wet for the 24 hour period of Friday into Saturday. This will be in creeklines or similar - and mainly in the Northern part of the district, particulary McLaren Flat where the weather got closest to a Downy Mildew 10:10:24 Primary Event.

What does this mean for my vineyard? To be safe and take a low risk approach it is recommended to keep up Downy Mildew protection - especially if more rain is forecast.

In general it is good news, but remember that while everyone gets excited about Downy Mildew - Powdery Mildew is the main concern in the district at the moment.

Downy Mildew - Alert for Thursday / Friday

2010-10-26T19:15:00.002+10:30

CropWatch - 101026 Is there a DOWNY MILDEW alert for Thursday / Friday?

CropWatch Adelaide Hills has issued alert for that region. At the point of writing an alert has not been issued by McLaren Vale CropWatch.

Current weather forecasts are predicting conditions will be conducive for a downy mildew Primary Infection (10:10:24) then rains start late Thursday and into Friday.

DJ’S GROWERS ADVISES GROWERS TO TAKE THIS WITH A ‘GRAIN OF SALT’

IN THE ADELAIDE HILLS - VINEYARD CANOPIES ARE VERY SMALL AND BORDERLINE FOR HOSTING DOWNY MILDEW. THEY SHOULD DRY QUICKLY COMPARED TO A LARGE CANOPY LATER IN THE SEASON.

IN MCLAREN VALE – WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE LIKELY TO BE LESS WET THAN THOSE FORECAST FOR THE ADELAIDE HILLS.

WE WILL ADVISE WHAT HAPPENS FROM THIS RAIN EVENT.

WATCH THIS SPACE!!!

Eutypa Dieback.

2010-10-26T18:24:00.006+10:30

Eutypa and other trunk diseases have been identified as causing significant problems in South Australian vineyards. This season appears to be a 'big' year for Euytpa symptoms.

Eutypa is present in many vineyards- of all ages. Pictured below is a grafted vineyard in Willunga, in the McLaren Vale region.

All wine grape varieties are susceptible to Eutypa Dieback along with many other plants including Almonds, pome fruit trees and willows. All can be a source of disease.

Eutypa is caused by the fungus Eutypa lata. The fungus produces ascospores on old infected wood and is spread by rain splash traveling on the wind.

The spores are able to travel large distances and can infect fresh, unprotected wounds, such as those left by pruning cuts. Spores are produced all year but can only infect fresh cuts during wet weather.

Above - Eutypa dieback disease cycle in grapevines(taken from 'Grape Pest Management' Flaherty et al., 1992)

Once inside the vine the fungus slowly grows spreading over a period of years along cordons and down to the trunk. Eutypa moves along the vines water-plumbing (the xylem).

Removal of any infected wood is recommended during spring, the symptoms are easy to see and the vines are naturally pushing sap which will limit infection spread to any fresh cuts you make - SARDI have published work on the problem here.

Severe supected weevil damage on California Road, Tatachilla.

2010-10-25T21:59:00.004+10:30

Locust Alerts.

2010-10-18T14:16:00.000+10:30

Latest update on Locust situation. http://www.daff.gov.au/animal-plant-health/locusts/bulletins/locust-bulletin-October2010

Powdery Mildew - Notes on control

2010-10-14T10:59:00.001+10:30

The message about Powdery is repetitive but effective. Get good coverage on your vineyard between now and the end of flowering!

The good news is that well protected vineyards remain clean of Powdery Mildew.

The weather this week has been good for the development of Powdery. Mild temperatures (20 – 250C) & cloudy conditions are excellent for the disease to produce spores and spread on unprotected leaves and inflorescences. High humidity and poor airflow will also favours its spread.

Powdery starts from a low level and steadily increases in vineyards without good protection. Monitoring for the disease is difficult, and if protection is not adequate powdery levels can catch growers unawares.

The recent vine growth means that the canopy is beginning to close up and vines are becoming progressively harder to spray. Calibration and set-up of vineyard sprayers is critical at this time.

It is worthwhile checking areas of your vineyard where powdery has been a problem in the past for any signs of powdery development this season.

Locust Update.

2010-09-29T16:56:00.000+09:30

NSW - more than 250 confirmed hatching sites.
SA - spraying is underway Flinders Ranges.
Vic - continued hatching in the NW and forward control centres opening up.
Qld - ongoing gov't management and spotting.

To get an updated hatching date list go to www.grdc.com.au

Neem Oil - Matt Wilson Investigates

2010-09-28T16:20:00.003+09:30

I’ve been researching on the option of Neem Oil on our vineyard insect pests.

I am very interested in using Neem Oil as an organic control option for snails, earwigs and weevils.

At the moment we can't use this organic insecticide in Grapevines but in the future it could be an excellent option for pest control.

Neem oil is used in all of our trading partners as an effective insecticide in commercial food crops. Usage in the USA is very high and is regarded as a “normal” input.

As it stands in 2010, in Australia, Neem Oil has not been approved by the APVMA for use in “Food Crops”. This product is used in NZ on crops that are imported into Australia within 24 hours of application.

There are no MRL’s for Neem Oil.

The Australian and New Zealand Food Standards Board don’t seem to have an issue with it.

I’m not sure on the AWRI position, seeing that the APVMA have not registered it at this point.

One manufacturer I found, (AzaMax OCP) are unwilling to register the product with the APVMA in Food Crops because they are an ‘animal friendly’ company and don’t wish to conduct LD50 tests on animals! It is a catch 22 for them to do the testing to get it registered.

These are the two Neem Oil products I have found on the market.

AzaMax insecticide: http://www.ocp.com.au/AzaMax.htm

AzaMax is a concentrated Neem Oil as it is the extracted Azadirachtin molecule from the Neem Seed Kernel. Therefore this is a highly concentrated and pure product.

Farmer Pricing is approximately: $420.00 + GST (20L).
Rate: 200ml/100L. @ 300L/Ha = 600 ml/Ha ($50 / Ha).

It is available in 1L, 5L and 20L Drums.

Nutri-Neem Cold Pressed Neem Oil: http://www.nutri-tech.com.au/products/bio-management/nutri-neem-85.html

This is an imported emulsified Neem Oil, extracted by cold pressing the whole Neem plant.

Farmer Pricing is approximately : $550.00 + GST (20L).
Rate: 150-200ml/100L. (1.5-2 L/Ha) = ($40 / Ha).

Available in 20L, 200L and 1000L Drums.

Both will take about 48 hours to control pests. Those not killed will not feed or complete their life cycle.

I have it on good authority (OCP) that AzaMax will kill beetles (weevils) and snails. Both are BFA Registered products.

Insect damage to buds and shoots.

2010-09-28T08:27:00.008+09:30

Some supected weevil damage has been seen in McLaren Vale this week. These pictures were taken this week in Willunga - we think they are caused by Curculio Weevil. These weevils are active at night and difficult to monitor for during the day.

Curculio Weevil are also a major pest of Olive trees.

Look for buds that have been hollowed out as shown. In the Adelaide Hills look out for Garden Weevil which can also be very destructive. Monitor now for signs of insect damage.

Also be on the lookout for snails and earwigs, which are both currently active in vineyards at this stage. If you are seeing insect damage please contact us to determine if you have a significant problem and to look at what options you have.

Australian Plague Locust Information.

2010-09-21T14:35:00.004+09:30

Plague Locusts

This information is from Casella Wines.

Although there is no direct threat at this time, it is import to understand what the threat is and what your control options are should they become one.

General advice.

• Early control is most effective when locusts are at the ‘hopper’ stage.

• Do not apply any locust control chemicals directly to the vines and watch for spray drift!

• Control strategies post 80% capfall will need to be confirmed with your purchasing winery.

• Adult locust cannot be deterred or controlled with the registered chemicals.

• Spray records must be maintained, including sprays applied to the ground , headland or vineyard roads.

If control methods are likely, it is advised that you approach your neighbours and discuss any spay plans for more effective control and to minimise any spray drift issues.