Published since 1986
APRIL, 2019
www.farmernews.com.au
Fruit fly detected LIFTOUT
Seeds, fertilisers and pasture PAGE 7
PAGES 10-13
Phylloxera outbreak confirmed
5km quarantine zone established at St Andrews in the Yarra Valley Ű
A FIVE kilometre quarantine zone has been established around St Andrews after Phylloxera was detected at a commercial winery. Vinehealth Australia, and Australian Grape and Wine, have advised the mites have been found in a Phylloxera Risk Zone in the Yarra Valley. The strain detected is G1; the same as that found in the Maroondah Phylloxera Infested Zone (PIZ). The quarantine zone around the vineyard abuts the north west boundary of the existing Maroondah PIZ. The name of the affected winery has not been released, but vignerons inside the quarantine, or near to it, are not troubled by the detection. Joel Trist from Buttermans Track Winery said vineyards
with Phylloxera could expect a gradual spreading of the mite across all vines. “Once it’s in your soil, you’ve got it,” he said. “The only way to get fruit every year it to replace the vines on American rootstock – at $5.50 a vine. “It can kill the vine eventually – if that happens, there is D PDVVLYH o QDQFLDO ULVN IRU XV – we would have to replace the whole vineyard.” Phylloxera is a soft bodied insect pest of grapevines, affecting Vitis species - commercial grapevines and ornamental vines. It is a major threat to the majority of Australia’s vineyards that are planted on own roots, which are highly susceptible to attack. American resistant root stock is available for grafting,
EXW DW o YH WLPHV WKH SULFH RI non-resistant stocks is a costly swap-out. Panton Hill Winery is currently outside the quarantine zone, but owner Dorothy Kwak said there was talk about changing the area. “We are fairly isolated,” she said. “It means it’s stricter, now that it’s been found closer – even though we have always been careful. “Grapes from affected areas can’t be sold outside the (quarantine) area. “The impact is less for those who make their own wine.” Mrs Kwak said the biggest Phylloxera risk came from workers who contracted on WKH YDOOH\ p RRU q WKH <DUUD 9DO ley, an area known to be PIZ Continued page 3
GROW BETTER, NOT BIGGER: Gordon Jones believes that the secret to farming lies not in getting bigger, but in doing a better job – identifying niche markets and connecting with customers. Gordon runs Jones Potatoes, a fourth generation family business at Warragul. Read his story on pages four and five of this month’s Southern Farmer. PHOTO: Australia Post
For more information
Protect your investment
Ph: 1300 551 099 Mob. 0417 563 955
Stop heat and prevent corrosion
www.thermoshield.com.au
Saves you money
PO Box 16, Silvan, VIC 3795 info@thermoshield.com.au
BYPY TRANSMISSIONS
BONDIOLI & PAVESI and BIMA, PTO Shafts and Gearboxes
For all your agricultural power transmission requirements Call us for all your PTO Shafts, Gearboxes and Spare Parts Proudly supporting the
37d06531-v9/3418
farming community since 1950
1800 932 113
Call Toll Free Fact 3, 16-20 Dingley Ave, Dandenong 3175 bypy@bypy.com.au www.bypy.com.au