It's a perfectly Australian past time to enjoy a glass of vino or a handful of grapes in the warm afternoon sunshine, but we have a responsibility to protect our beloved grape growers from harm as we travel around sampling their wares. A range of pests and diseases can affect our grape growing regions - one of the most damaging is Phylloxera.
Phylloxera is a small yellow insect that lives and feeds on the roots of grapevines, reducing growth and vigour and eventually killing the vine. It is a significant threat to the State's wine industry. It is not possible to eradicate Phylloxera once it is established. The only solution is to replace the entire vineyard with new vines grafted onto Phylloxera resistant root stock.
There are strict regulations covering the movement of Phylloxera risk material including grapes, vines and vineyard machinery from Phylloxera-infested zones in NSW and Victoria. This is an important measure to restrict the spread of this pest. The map below, from Vine Health Australia, shows the current infestation zones in red.
Many grape growers have implemented their own biosecurity measures to protect their vineyards. The most important measure is to prevent "at-risk" material from entering the property. Other measures include educating staff and visitors on biosecurity protocols and confining visitors to the cellar-door area. Any equipment brought on to the property should also be inspected before being allowed entry.
How can I help?
- Only buy grapes FREE OF LEAVES
- If you visit a vineyard ensure that your shoes, clothing and vehicle is free from mud and grapevine plant material BEFORE LEAVING the property
- DO NOT visit other vineyards after purchasing grapes or vines
- DO NOT take grapevine material (canes, leaves, grapes, root stock and soil) OUT OF a Phylloxera-infested zone - it's the law!
- Obey roadside signs when entering/leaving Phylloxera-free zones
This geocache is one of a series of geocaches focusing on the Biosecurity of NSW, developed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries. These geocaches are designed to provide information to the public in an effort to protect the environment of NSW. DPI has a lead role in preventing, responding to and overseeing the recovery from invasion of plant pests and diseases.
Further information on this and other Biosecurity threats currently faced by NSW can be found on the DPI Biosecurity website:
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity
If you suspect the presence of an exotic plant pest or disease you can report it to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881
The Tourist Information center for Pokolbin is nearby and has a fantastic grapevine display inside as well as a lot of history on the local grape and wine industry for those who want to learn more. It's free to access and displays a wealth of information about the local area.