Sentinel 4 commenced sampling at Treasury Wine Estate’s Wynns Coonawarra site on the 4th of March 2022.

The sentinel unit features two insect suction traps, sampling airborne insects at two metres and six metres, a spore suction trap, and an onboard weather station. Priority pathogens for grains, horticulture, and wine are targeted for identification at this site.

During this trial, South Australian Research and Development Institution (SARDI) are processing samples of fungal spores to detect and quantify key plant pathogens across grains, horticulture and viticulture. SARDI entomologists will also screen insect samples for priority insect pests across grains and horticulture.

A key focus of the surveillance trial in Coonawarra includes monitoring and quantification of fungal species associated with Eutypa and grapevine trunk disease. SARDI have developed a range of detection assays that will provide insights into the dynamics of these species during crucial grapevine management events, such as pruning or reworking.

For more information on the prevention and management of grapevine trunk diseases, check out these resources from Wine Australia here.

Grapevine trunk disease pathogens targeted

Eutypa dieback (Eutypa lata)

Botryosphaeria Dieback (Botryosphaeriaceae)

Other pathogens associated with grapevine trunk diseases

Eutypella and Cryptovalsa

Cryptovalsa ampelina

Xylariales complex

Other fungal pathogens targeted

Grey mould (Botrytis cinerea)

Powdery Mildew of Grapevine (Erysiphe necator)

Yellow Leaf Spot (Pyrenophora tritici-repentis)

Blackleg of Canola (Leptosphaeria maculans)

Sclerotinia Stem Rot or White Rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum)

Septoria tritici blotch (Zymoseptoria tritici)

Myrtle Rust (Austropuccinia psidii)

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