Phylloxera and Grape Industry Board of South Australia

Phylloxera Prevention Protocols

Introduction
South Australian Vineyard Protection Protocol
National protocol
Heat shed for machinery disinfestation
Washdown facilities for vineyard equipment

Introduction

To prevent the spread of phylloxera from infested areas, each state has legislation (laws) and associated regulations which restrict or prohibit the movement of "phylloxera risk vectors" - ie things that could carry phylloxera. These include grapevine material, grape products and vineyard or winery equipment and machinery. Each state has slightly different legislation. Anyone wishing to move any risk products between states MUST comply with the legislation of the destination state.

However, even when these risk products are being moved between regions in the same state, or within regions, there is still a chance that phylloxera could be spread - if it is present in a vineyard or region but has not yet been detected. Growers are therefore encouraged to follow guidelines called protocols, which are designed to minimise the risk of transferring phylloxera - or other unwanted pests, diseases or weeds - accidentally from one vineyard to another.

South Australian Vineyard Protection Protocol

The South Australian Vineyard Protection Protocol (2007) has been developed by the Board to help growers protect their vineyards from pests - including phylloxera - as well as diseases and weeds. It is based on two simple strategies: restricted vineyard access (keep unwanted organisms out) and cleaning and disinfestation for any "risk vector" that could be carrying an unwanted organism. These are the same principles that the National Phylloxera Management Protocol is based on. The protocol is also consistent with state regulations governing the entry of grapevines, vineyard machinery and grape products into South Australia. The Board recommends that all growers apply the strategies contained in the protocol to safeguard their vineyard from phylloxera and other pests and diseases. Download the Vineyard Protection Protocol (short version), or the longer version (5MB) which includes individual procedure sheets and other resources.

National Phylloxera Management Protocol

In addition, the winegrape industry - through the National Vine Health Steering Committee - has developed a National Phylloxera Management Protocol, which is an agreed standard for managing the movement of risk vectors so as to minimise the risk of spreading phylloxera. Attempts are now being made to align each state's legislation with the national protocol, so that there is a consistent set of regulations for industry to follow.

The national protocol covers movement of grapevines, vineyard machinery, grapes, people and grape products from Phylloxera Infested Zones into non-infested zones (see map of phylloxera zones in Australia). It gives details on the recommended disinfestation treatments for machinery, footwear, vehicles etc that can be applied in any vineyard situation.

The National Phylloxera Management Protocol can be downloaded from the GWRDC website .

Heat shed for machinery disinfestation

The phylloxera heat shed at Naracoorte is the first purpose-built facility for treating vineyard machinery to ensure that it is free from phylloxera.

Harvesters and other vineyard machinery could transfer phylloxera from one vineyard to another, contained in contaminated grapevine material or soil. Harvesters in particular are very difficult to clean; therefore the only way to ensure that a harvester is free of phylloxera is to "bake it" in a heat shed for a minimum of two hours at 45 degrees C.

Harvesters entering South Australia from interstate (except from declared phylloxera free areas) are required by law to be heat-treated before they operate in the state. Best practice also means treating harvesters and other machinery working between regions within South Australia, as a region could have an infestation of phylloxera for several years before any symptoms were seen.

If you wish to use the heat shed, you need to complete a short training session, and be issued with a key; or contact the Board and we will arrange for our local heatshed managers to carry out the treatment for you. The charges for 2008 are: $55 per treatment; $225 with assistance (day); $325 with assistance (night or weekends).

Washdown facilities for vineyard machinery

One of the most effective deterrents against the spread of phylloxera into a vineyard is a washdown facility. This enables machinery to be cleaned to remove all dirt and plant material before entering the vineyard, which greatly reduces the risk of introducing phylloxera (or other soil-borne pests, diseases and weeds) into the vineyard.

In response to grower requests the Phylloxera and Grape Industry Board has commissioned an engineering firm to develop detailed specifications for vineyard wash-down facilities. These contain sufficient information for a building application to be made to local councils.

There are two plans, to take into account different vineyard sizes. Click below to download the specifications and the plan drawings as PDF files. A2 plan drawings can be obtained free of charge from the Board's office.

Small vineyard facility: includes two options, one for vineyards where a washdown can be located away from vines (uses rolled metal as the base) and the other for vineyards where waste cannot be effectively disposed away form vines (uses a concrete slab draining to settling pits).

Large vineyard or regional facility: For very large vineyards or for installation as a public facility for the use of contractors, transporters, growers, etc. Includes high use of recycling and filtering systems to reduce maintenance costs.