Authorities probing phylloxera discovery in the Macedon Ranges

Written by Louise Preece.

GRAPE growers in the Macedon Ranges are on alert after the vine-destroying phylloxera aphid was discovered in the region last month.

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has verified the pest was found on a vineyard, half way between Lancefield and Woodend.

The state’s last outbreak was in the Yarra Valley in December 2006.

The DPI has established a five kilometre Phylloxera Infested Zone (PIZ), called the White Bridge PIZ, which directly affects eight vineyards.

DPI plant standards senior officer, Gary D’arcy, said the majority of the properties in the PIZ had been surveyed and have been found to be phylloxera-free.

"We are completing a detailed survey of the infected property right now," Mr D’arcy said.

"This will take a couple of weeks and we will shortly be able to provide the vineyard owner with an accurate determination of exactly where the pest is and the best way to manage it."

He said the particular strain of phylloxera found was a common one and had been in the infected area for several years.

"This will make it difficult to pin-point how phylloxera arrived in the Macedon Ranges, but we are working to trace the pest back to any linked properties," Mr D’arcy said.

The DPI has held two briefing meetings with local vineyard owners and a workshop is currently being organised.

"The idea behind the workshop will be to provide growers information on how the discovery of phylloxera will affect their farming practices and hygiene and what is expected of them now," Mr D’arcy said.

"Phylloxera can be managed, but growers must adhere to follow strict protocols."

Nationally agreed protocols regulate the movement of filtered juice, whole grapes, crushed grapes and used agricultural machinery and bins from phylloxera-affected areas to wineries in other parts of the state or country.

Mr D’arcy said the White Bridge PIZ contained a number of small plantings and many growers hand-picked their grapes.

"This will help in the management of the pest, because it means there are no big contractors moving in and out of the area," he said, adding that steam cleaning equipment was a costly expense to a farm.

"Most of the vineyard owners process their grapes on site and those that don’t will be able to apply for a permit to have them processed in another PIZ."

Macedon Ranges Vignerons Association spokesperson John Ellis said it was good news there was only one infected vineyard in the PIZ and that the other vineyards had been found to be phylloxera-free.

"The DPI have been having extensive meetings with growers, cellar door operators, suppliers and anyone else involved with the vineyards to make sure they know exactly what obligations they need to fulfil now," Mr Ellis said.