Industry biosecurity advice: Phomopsis cane and leaf spot detection in Manjimup
About Phomopsis cane and leaf spot
The disease is caused by the fungus Diaporthe ampelina (formerly Phomopsis viticola). It can affect all parts of the vine, including leaves, shoots and occasionally bunches. Primary infection occurs in spring, where cool and wet conditions, with prolonged leaf wetness increases the incidence and severity of symptoms.
View further symptom development information.
Phomopsis cane and leaf spot is present in all other Australian grape-growing regions and can cause crop loss in areas where weather conditions are favourable and the disease is not effectively controlled. The disease may be managed by monitoring and timely fungicide applications.
Spores are dispersed by water, wind and rain splash in a relatively localised area within a vineyard. Long distance dispersal occurs through movement of infected or contaminated propagation materials and fruit bunches.
All grapevine varieties grown in WA can be infected but differ in their susceptibility.
Under WA’s Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007, D. ampelina is declared a prohibited organism and subject to movement restrictions, mandatory reporting and control treatments to destroy, prevent or eradicate the pest.
Current situation
Diaporthe ampelina was detected in two grapevine varieties (Sunmuscat and Carina) in the grapevine germplasm collection at the Manjimup Horticultural Research Institute (MHRI).
A Pest Control Notice (PCN) is in place at MHRI to limit the movement of personnel and grapevine material, while the department investigates the extent of the detection at the research station. Further testing of varieties in the germplasm collection for the presence of D. ampelina, is being undertaken.
Unfortunately, this means that grapevine propagation material will not be available this season and until the Pest Control Notice is removed. The department is working with the WA wine and table grape industries regarding the detection and future actions.
As the disease is established in other parts of Australia, an incident response would not be managed or funded under Australia’s national cost-sharing arrangements (Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed) including access to owner reimbursement costs.
Surveillance and reporting
The department will work with the WA wine and table grape industries to develop a targeted spring surveillance program around the Pemberton and Manjimup regions to appropriately inform the next steps regarding feasibility for eradication or changing the status of the presence of D. ampelina in WA.
In the meantime, table and wine grape growers and consultants are encouraged to inspect vines for disease symptoms and report any suspect observations to the department. It's recommended to inspect whole blocks, as the disease spreads slowly from isolated infection sites within vineyards.
Reports of suspected Phomopsis cane and leaf spot can be made to DPIRD’s Pest and Disease Information Service on (08) 9368 3080 or email padis@dpird.wa.gov.au
Alternatively send photos via the Department’s MyPestGuide® Reporter app (Google Play Store and Apple iTunes Store).
Further information
For further information, please contact your local industry representative or Andrew Taylor via email andrew.taylor@dpird.wa.gov.au
Issued by
Chief Plant Biosecurity Officer
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia