Optimising detection and management methods for soil borne pest incursions

Grapevine phylloxera Daktulosphaira vitifoliae (Fitch) is clearly a major threat to the sustainability of all viticultural regions in Australia, and the early detection of this pest is essential in minimising the impact of outbreaks and ensuring the continued success of quarantine protocols and the development of targeted management strategies. Given that 85% of Australian vineyard plantings are on susceptible ungrafted Vitis vinifera, and there is evidence for associations of particular phylloxera genotypes with rootstock hybrids, phylloxera will remain a major threat to the longterm viability of the Australian viticultural industry in the foreseeable future. To improve the phylloxera detection and management processes the insects associations with soil were investigated using electromagnetic induction soil sensing, soil analyses, conventional trapping techniques and spectral remote sensing. Textural and chemical soil characteristics along with phylloxera genotype were shown to influence the population dynamics, dispersal behaviour and establishment of the insect. Ultimately these associations will influence the level of sensitivity and effectiveness of early detection and management processes.