Grapevine red blotch virus, a WA perspective
At the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's (DPIRD) Manjimup Horticulture Research Facility (MHRF) resides the state's grapevine Germplasm collection, consisting of over 140 varieties and 191 clones of wine, table, multipurpose, drying and rootstock material. The collection is managed by DPIRD and utilised by the WA Vine Improvement Association (WAVIA) to supply propagation material to industry. This partnership has been in place since WAVIA’s inception in 1993.
Other grapevines planted at the MHRF include an emerging variety trial block consisting of 18 emerging varieties which were assessed for their potential under WA growing conditions by DPIRD researchers for over a decade. This work has been completed, findings published and now serves as a source block for WAVIA. The other block of grapevines at this facility is a small planting of Chardonnay vines that is reserved for pathology research activities.
The Germplasm collection is one of very few collections in Australia that conducts regular grapevine virus testing through DPIRD’s Diagnostic and Laboratory Service (DDLS). Annually, a systematic sampling regime is conducted on one third of the vines independent of variety/clone within the block. Limited by resources to test all known viruses, it was concluded with industry engagement, that testing specifically for Grapevine leafroll associated virus (GLRaV) -1 and -3 as the two most potentially damaging viruses be prioritised. The consequence of this approach means that all vines in the collection are tested for these two viruses within a three-year period.
Wine Australia is working towards a National Grapevine Collection which includes an assessment of current grapevine germplasm collections across Australia. Part of this work is to identify existing collections to be developed into nationally significant nuclear collections. DPIRD’s Germplasm collection at the MHRF was identified as a potential candidate, based on its current health status and good management practices.
Funding was provided by Wine Australia to broaden the 2022 virus testing to include 13 viruses as listed below.
- Grapevine leaf roll virus 1
- Grapevine leaf roll virus 2
- Grapevine leaf roll virus 3
- Grapevine leaf roll virus 4
- Grapevine leaf roll virus 4 strain 5
- Grapevine leaf roll virus 4 strain 9
- Grapevine virus A
- Grapevine virus B
- Grapevine Pinot Gris virus
- Grapevine rupestris stem pitting virus
- Grapevine rupestris vein feathering virus
- Grapevine fleck virus
- Grapevine red blotch Virus
The expanded testing this year led to a surprising outcome, with the detection of Grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV) for the first time in Australia at MHRF. Prior to the detection, there had been no indication GRBV was present in the collection, as visual symptoms were not observed. In response to the detection, DPIRD tested all grapevines at MHRF and two blocks of grapevines situated at the WA College of Agriculture – Harvey (Wokalup), due to linkages with MHRF Germplasm collection. Over 2100 vines have now been tested with 39 vines positive for GRBV, consisting of 10 different varieties (Table 1).
On 28 June 2022, the WA Chief Plant Biosecurity Officer (CPBO) at DPIRD notified the Australian Chief Plant Protection Officer (ACPPO) of the detection. On 30 June 2022, the CPBO notified key state industry representatives, from Agriculture Producer Commission’s (APC) Wine Producer’s Committee, APC Table Grape Producer’s Committee Chair and Chair of the WAVIA, of the detection and the requirement to not remove grapevine material from MHRF. WA industry representatives were briefed on the positive detection of GBRV at the MHRF on 14 July 2022.
A Pest Control Notice was issued on both DPIRD’s MHRF and the WA College of Agriculture - Harvey to prevent any movement of grapevine material from the sites while testing was carried out and to allow for DPIRD’s researchers to conduct trace back and trace forward of the material detected with the virus.
Thankfully the varieties and clones that have tested positive are not in high demand and only small volumes of material had been distributed. Those growers who have received material have been notified.
Since the initial detection of GRBV in WA, GRBV has also been detected in Victoria and South Australia. On 14 September 2022, Australia Grape and Wine (AGW) released information noting that it is likely GRBV was introduced into Australia through infected grapevine material prior to 1985. Given the detections in multiple states, the Consultative Committee of Emergency Plant Pests (CCEPP) is determining if further action is required. AGW and the Australian Table Grape Association are the national industry representatives on the CCEPP.
| Site | Variety (clone) |
|---|---|
| Manjimup Germplasm collection | Perle de Csaba (L6V13) |
| Manjimup Germplasm collection | Brachetto (H102) |
| Manjimup Germplasm collection | Harslevelu (LN-B) |
| Manjimup Germplasm collection | Malbec (Kalimna1) |
| Manjimup Germplasm collection | Pinot Noir (D2V5) |
| Manjimup Germplasm collection | Kadarka (F13V3) |
| Manjimup Variety Trial block | Savagnin Blanc (Galicia1989) |
| Manjimup Pathology block | Chardonnay (unknown) |
| Wokalup Variety Trial block | Savagnin Blanc (Galicia1989) |
| Wokalup Variety Trial block | Harslevelu (LN-B) |
| Wokalup Variety Trial block | Brachetto (H102) |
| Wokalup Variety Trial block | Kadarka (F13V3) |
| Wokalup multiplication block | Merlot (D3V5 HT81) |
| Wokalup multiplication block | Chardonnay (G9V7 HT90.1) |
Further information on GRBV is available on the AWRI Factsheet which covers disease symptoms, transmission, management and diagnostics.
WA wine producers are advised to be familiar with this newly detected virus, but not to be alarmed. It is believed this virus has been present for 37 years and only 39 vines have been detected in that time. Further information surrounding GRBV in Australia will be forthcoming as information on further testing in other states and the decision by the CCEPP is made. If growers wish to have testing conducted, samples can be submitted through DDLS, but it is best to contact prior to determine the best method for sampling.
Key DPIRD contacts available to provide support are noted below:
- Dr Andrew Taylor, Research Scientist (plant pathology)
- Richard Fennessy, Research Scientist (grape and wine)
- Dr Monica Kehoe, Research Scientist (virology)
New upcoming regional program activities
Each year Wines of Western Australia (WoWA) technical committee develop extension and adoption activities for consideration for the Wine Australia’s Regional Program. These activities are aligned with the industry priorities identified in the July 2021 Western Australia (WA) wine industry Research Development and Extension (RD&E) strategic review. Specifically these include:
- understanding the intricacies of provenance and the fine wine regions of WA
- supporting WA producers to adopt Sustainable Winegrowing Australia
- supporting WA producers to adopt on-farm biosecurity practises
- why vineyard yields are declining in WA
- why the adoption of RD&E is so low by the WA wine industry
- rapid access to new genetic plant material.
The following activities will be conducted throughout 2022/23:
Soil compaction workshop with survey data
Significant work has been conducted on soil health and in particular soil compaction, however it is believed that these learnings may not be extensively known to the upcoming generation of viticulturists in WA.
As vineyards approach +20 years of age, they have experienced considerable interrow traffic and observations are that some of these vineyards are experiencing yield decline. It is believed that general yield decline across WA’s older vineyards is attributed to multiple factors, but it is plausible that soil compaction may be one of these.
Recent trends towards zero cultivation to preserve and support soil health is popular. Considering this along with local testimonies of the benefits of period cultivation, this activity aims to broaden the discussion and have producers assess soil compaction in their vineyards and action where applicable.
This activity will measure soil compaction on a multitude of vineyards specifically those with different soil types, comparing orchards which have had rows ripped against those which are untouched.
Information from these demonstrations will be presented at a workshop including content covering fundamentals of soil compaction (most susceptible soil types, impact on production etc), vine root physiology (how roots respond to soil compaction and physical damage via ripping) and case studies.
Regional winemakers trial forums
A trial forum was first held in Margaret River in 2015 by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) to enable winemakers to come together and share experiences on innovative techniques that aim to improve wine quality or production efficiencies. Forums allow winemakers to bring in wines from their in-house trials and share their findings with others and generate general discussion.
These forums are conducted in the Swan Valley, Margaret River and Great Southern.
Demonstrating the influence of clonal selection on Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon wine quality
This is the third consecutive season of collecting data and producing small lot wines from a trial block of 14 different Cabernet Sauvignon clones/selections demonstrating the influence of clonal selection on vineyard performance and wine sensory attributes.
Demonstrating the timing of powdery mildew and trunk disease spore release to assist in effective disease management
Powdery mildew is the most important disease in WA viticulture in terms of impact on crop and cost of management. However, a lot of the disease epidemiology is based on research conducted in growing regions that do not experience the same weather conditions as those seen in WA.
Weather stations and spore traps will be installed on two sites in both the Margaret River and Great Southern wine regions. Climatic data and spore populations will be collected throughout the season to determine potential correlations with disease occurrence and severity.
Building resilience to drought and a water constrained future
Recent climate trends and climate change models support the continuation of reduced rainfall across WA’s wine growing regions. This activity aims to support growers with knowledge and tools on how to best utilise irrigation water to ensure the sustainability of their businesses.
A recent industry funded activity has produced a new online water budgeting tool aimed to assist growers in making better decisions for allocating water. This web portal will be one of several measures which will be delivered in a series of workshops that can assist grape growers and winemakers manage with reduced water and adapt to a water constrained future.
Growers will be introduced to this tool in two regional workshops with the program also including presentations on future climate modelling, AgTech and irrigation specialists.
Creating an online resource of information relating to biosecurity best practices in WA and other technical references generated from the regional program
A key component of WA’s unique value proposition or competitive advantage is its freedom from many pests and diseases found outside of WA that impact viticulture. Less pests and diseases lead to reduced inputs and improves the quality of the state’s fine wines. Protecting this important competitive advantage is critical. This was identified as one of the top five priorities in the WoWA Strategic Plan 2014-24.
DPIRD have developed foundational resources including a biosecurity plan and manual for viticulture specifically for WA. These resources require updates and adaptions to be more readily adoptable by producers.
This activity aims to protect our competitive advantage and build on it by collating on-farm viticulture best management practises relevant to WA growing conditions and applicable to all nine WA wine regions. Truth checking preliminary outputs through industry engagement and final resource content via a co-design process to be hosted within the WoWA website.
The regional program is funded by Wine Australia, administered by WoWA and managed by DPIRD. Further information on these activities can be gained by contacting Richard Fennessy.
Wines of Western Australia vintage summary
Letter from Mr Jeff Burch, APC Wine Producers’ Committee Chair:
Dear wine producer
With collection of the Agricultural Produce Commission (APC) Wine Producers’ Committee fee for service (FFS) charge for the 2021 Vintage now complete, we would like to thank producers for your support and participation during the year. The APC continues to provide a statutory mechanism for the Western Australian wine industry to invest in its own industry initiatives in partnership with Wines of Western Australia (WoWA) as well as regional associations.
2021/22 in review
For the 2021/22 financial year, FFS contributions from producers across the state enabled the investment of $599,769 to support industry development. This was allocated to WoWA ($254,213) and regions ($343,149) to be invested into biosecurity, industry development and industry representation at state and regional level including:
- Comprehensive review of the State 2014-24 Strategic Plan and 2021 Wine Industry Forum key messages.
- Industry representation at state and federal level on issues affecting WA wine producers. These include liquor licensing, health labelling, biosecurity, prescribed burning liaison and taxation.
- Implementing a five-year partnership with the State government to grow consumer market demand with a focus on export markets. Read more.
- Provide administration and support in partnership with DPIRD to deliver R&D extension activities through the federally funded Regional Program. Read more.
- Supporting regional marketing to ensure that the unique wine regions of WA were promoted domestically and internationally in 2021/22. This included delivering local events and wine shows as well as supporting regional social media promotion.
- Annual licence fee for digital website resources including regional websites and comprehensive online listing of all WA wine producers and 'The Wine Adventurer' a comprehensive guide to touring the fine wine regions of WA. View here at the WoWA website.
- Supporting the Wine Education Centre. Read more.
- Continuation of the WA wine industry service agreement with Australia Post – providing real savings to FFS payers.
Additionally, $2407 was collected for the biosecurity fund.
The APC Wine Producers’ Committee is pleased to provide you with the linked snapshot of the 2021 vintage, including key regional and varietal trends. The Committee is hopeful that you will find value in this data for your business.
2022 vintage returns and fees-for-service
In the coming weeks you will receive an email from the APC with the annual fee notice and inviting you to lodge your return for the 2022 Vintage. Following the annual review, the Minister has approved the fee-for-service rates for the 2022 Vintage as described here.
Learn more
To learn about the APC, including the Wine Producers’ Committee arrangements and how WoWA, funded by your FFS, is helping wine producers, visit the APC website.
Stay in touch
Together with WoWA, the Wine Producers’ Committee invites you to contact WoWA or your regional Wine Producers’ Committee member with your feedback. The APC wine committee, through the wine associations, is strengthened by support and involvement of producers. Your feedback and suggestions are important to keeping this a truly representative initiative, where benefits can be enjoyed by all.
Yours sincerely
Jeff Burch
APC Wine Producers’ Committee Chair
Pruning workshops challenge current practices
As some of WA’s vineyards are now over 30 years of age, growers face new challenges to manage vine health and maintain commercially viable yields. One constant observation being made in these older vineyards is variable vegetative growth which can be associated with general vine health.
This inspired the recent series of workshops funded by the Wine Australia Regional Program which is administered by WoWA and supported by DPIRD.
SIMONIT&SIRCH is a global consulting and training company specialising in vine pruning and training and was engaged to run pruning workshops in the Swan Valley, Margaret River and Great Southern wine regions in June 2022.
They have developed pruning methods that focus on four principles:
- branching
- vascular flow
- cuts and crowns, and
- protective wood.
The theory behind these methods were presented at the workshops followed by a practical vineyard demonstration. The key objective of this methodology is to ensure the longevity and productivity of grapevines young and old.
Aspects of the SIMONIT&SIRCH method addresses necrotic wood and trunk disease, which are important strategies to adopt when pruning old vines.
Over 100 producers attended these workshops and 100% of those surveyed agreed that the information presented was valuable and will lead to a review of current practice.
This activity aimed to promote new thinking when considering pruning and to educate growers on how best to handle older vines to ensure longevity of their valuable assets.
Further information on the SIMONIT&SIRCH method can be found on their website.
Winemakers explore alternative vessels
Earlier this month DPIRD hosted its annual Winemakers’ Trial Forum in Margaret River, with 20 winemakers in attendance. This year’s tasting theme was to explore alternative fermentation and maturation vessels. The objective of this tasting forum is to promote collaboration and innovation to improve quality and efficiencies of the regions wines.
A number of producers were generous enough to share samples of local wines that had been split between traditional vessels such as stainless steel tanks and oak barrels with alternative vessels including amphoras, concrete eggs and clayvers. These tastings were conducted blind, providing the group of winemakers a unique opportunity to examine the impact of these different vessels on aroma and palate attributes.
The following provides a summary of the discussion from the various trials presented:
Sauvignon Blanc — parcel split between fermented and matured in old barriques compared with a 700L concrete egg
The group’s preference was the parcel matured in the concrete egg due to the retained freshness and acid profile. The contributing winemaker commented that the concrete egg held temperature well during fermentation compared to the barrique, this was theorized due to the thickness and insulating quality of the concrete.
Fiano — split between a barrique and a 200L amphora maturation
These two wines were equally enjoyed by the group. Comments made were the vessels were clearly suited to a style of Fiano with the barrel providing good texture and complexity while the amphora showed a savoury acidity.
Chardonnay — a single wine split between a maturation in an old puncheon and a 600L clayver
The clayver was voted slightly ahead of the puncheon with some describing the difference being a great precision on the palate from the clayver in comparison. The winemaker presenting these wines found the lees were not kept in suspicion with the clayver but likely to stick higher on the walls of the vessel compared to the puncheon. The clayver was considerably more expensive compared to the puncheon but based on the longevity of the vessel it was not cost prohibited.
Cabernet Sauvignon — two separate trials from two different producers:
Trial 1: Parcel of Cabernet split into fermented in a stainless steel open top fermenter, an old puncheon and an amphora
The amphora parcel scored highest of the three with a silkier tannin profile when compare to the others. Discussion was made on the high oxygen ingress of the terracotta which was believed to have polymerized the tannins during ferment to a greater degree than the other two vessels. It was noted that to maintain vessel hygiene it was important to keep the vessel dry when not storing wine as mould can easily develop.
Trial 2: Parcel of Cabernet split between barriques and a 1,800L concrete egg
The wine matured in the concrete egg was treated with micro-oxgenation (MOX) during maturation because of the low oxygen ingress. The wine that was most preferred was the barrique based on the tannin profile being rounder than the concrete egg example. Discussion held was that the tannin profile is likely to change and will be monitored, the retention of fresh primary characters was attractive in this wine.
Malbec — A wine fermented in stainless steel and matured in old barriques was compared to one fermented in a concrete egg and subsequently matured.
Very similar attributes were observed in these wines to the similarly handled Cabernet samples. The concrete egg tannins were tighter even through the fermentation was injected with air. Fermentation temperature was consistent in the egg due to the insulating properties on the concrete and some practicalities of handling the cap during fermentation was shared with the group.
Overall, it was concluded that these alternative vessels offer a great deal by adding complexity and pairing to a desired wine style. The initial purchase price is high, but can last if care is taken during times of handling. Practicalities of handling, moving and cleaning can be challenging so care must be taken. It appears knowing the degree of oxygen ingress of the vessel’s material is important and worth considering if using as a fermentation or maturation vessel.
Farewell to Ian Cameron OAM
Sadly, one of the department's past champions of horticulture research, Ian ‘Mr Table Grapes’ Cameron OAM, passed away Friday 16 September 2022.
Described as having a loud laugh that could fill a room, and a passion and enthusiasm for his job which was second to none, Ian was highly regarded by his peers and the local industry.
In 2011, Ian was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to WA’s viticulture industry.
Working for the department for 42 years from 1967 to 2009, Ian began his career as a horticultural instructor based at Midland District Office.
For the first 10 years in WA he spent a significant amount of time helping the wine industry establish in the South West, but was also supporting the state’s vegetable, stone fruit and citrus growers.
Ian’s contribution to the WA wine industry in these early years of industry development were incredibly important, especially his work in identifying and selecting Cabernet clones, identifying grapevine viruses and establishing clonal trials across regions.
Ian was integral in supplying propagation material to some of the South West pioneering vineyards. In 1974 alone, Ian oversaw over 50 000 cuttings from the Swan Valley distributed to South-West wine grape growers. Ian also contributed to the department's return to evaluating Cabernet Sauvignon clones in 2008 from the original ‘Houghton selections’ from a trial block he was originally involved in establishing in 1973.
In 1980 he began what was to become a long and distinguished career of research and extension to improve table grape production in WA.
Ian was instrumental in the development and implementation of legislated minimum standards of maturity for table grapes in Western Australia.
His extension methods and hands-on research were well regarded by colleagues around the world, as he strived to produce products that consumers wanted.
He found it difficult to help growers improve the quality of their fruit due to the lack of good research available, so he undertook research and extension work on growing table grapes in WA himself, propelling him forward in the local industry.
In 2000, Ian was awarded the coveted Graham Gregory Award, a prestigious national award for his pivotal role in the development of the WA table grape industry.
Ian retired from the department with the satisfaction of knowing that he had given his all to an industry which transformed from humble beginnings to one which is as informed and technologically advanced as any table grape industry around the world.
Even in retirement, Ian continued his passion for grapevines, including continuing to volunteer at the WA Museum Boola Bardip where he cared for two 170-year-old muscat vines.
Last year, he was recognised by the state government for giving more than 50 years of service volunteering at the WA museum, pruning and harvesting the vines which thrived under his care, producing up to 100 bunches of muscat table grapes per year, which is highly unusual for such old vines.
His passion, drive, commitment and endurance to the cause of the table grape industry in WA will be missed by many in the industry.
Ian was a great mentor to many of our staff and was committed to passing on his knowledge, ensuring a legacy that will endure for years to come.
Ian is survived by wife Laurel, daughter Helen and family.
Future events
Future proof your wine business
The Wine Industry Suppliers Association (WISA) will host its Industry Impact Conference from 10–11 October in Bendigo, Victoria. The national wine sector event for 2022 is tailored to independent wine businesses who grow, make, market, sell and serve wines to consumers and trade.
Four international speakers and 30 local experts and industry leaders – including from Wine Australia – will share their knowledge in a series of keynote presentations and practical workshops across two packed days. Presentations will focus on the central theme of helping wine producers future proof their businesses with an emphasis on practical information that can be acted on immediately. Delegates will gain inspiration from industry case studies, panel discussions will provide valuable insights and workshops will drill down on specific business areas.
Financial education masterclass – Understanding your business value
This masterclass focuses on determining your current level of investment readiness and identifying opportunities to increase your business value. During this session you will determine your current and target growth stages, establish your business mission, value and purpose and bring everything together into a strategic plan to increase your business value.
No learner preparation is required. It is recommended that participants join using a laptop or desktop computer. All materials are interactive and an interactive workbook will be sent to you prior to commencement of the course.
11 October 2022, 9:30am – 12:30pm, online
Cost: $39.00
Register on eventbrite.
Financial education masterclass – Optimising your business value and exit strategies
This masterclass teaches you how to apply the capitalisation of profit valuation methodology to your business. Through this process, you will identify your key risk and the value drivers and determine how to bridge your value gap. It will also help you understand the options for investment, exit and succession and the implications of each.
No learner preparation is required. It is recommended that participants join using a laptop or desktop computer. All materials are interactive and an interactive workbook will be sent to you prior to commencement of the course.
18 October 2022, 9:30am – 12:30pm, online
Cost: $39.00
Register on eventbrite
October WA Agtech meetup - horticulture and viticulture
DPIRD is supporting the latest instalment of the WA Agtech Meetup series on Thursday 21 October from 5pm to 7pm (AWST) at Town Hall at Riff, 45 St George's Terrace, Perth. The series will deep dive into all things horticulture and viticulture, hearing from innovative producers leading the charge on tech adoption, including agtech providers delivering solutions for the industry.
The event, both in-person and virtual, is powered by Beanstalk Agtech and AgriFutures Australia, and through DPIRD’s commitment to helping innovators in agriculture.
Places are limited so please register as soon as possible.