GiESCO 2019 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 GiESCO 9 Predatory Arthropods associated with potential locally-adapted native insectary plants for Australian vineyards

Predatory Arthropods associated with potential locally-adapted native insectary plants for Australian vineyards

Abstract

Context and purpose of the study – Three locally-adapted native plants were evaluated to determine their capacity to provide insectary benefits to predatory arthropods in association with vineyards, and thereby to enhance biological control of insect pests. Native plants are preferred as supplementary flora, as they are naturally adapted to Australia’s climatic conditions.

Materials and methods – Stands of mature Bursaria spinosa, Leptospermum continentaleand Rytidosperma ssp. located adjacent to or in the mid-rows of Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley and Eden Valley vineyards were sampled for arthropods in 2013/14. Vitis viniferawas also sampled.

Results – Twenty seven thousand and ninety-one individual invertebrate specimens were collected, comprising 20 orders and 287 morphospecies. Eight thousand, eight hundred and eighty predators, 6,790 herbivores and 11,421 other specimens were collected. Predatory arthropods dominated the diversity of morphospecies present on each plant. Out of a total of 98 predatory morphospecies, 67 were found on B. spinosa, 63 on L. continentale, 56 on V. vinifera and 38 in association with Rytidosperma ssp. The difference between predatory and herbivore morphospecies was highest on Rytidosperma ssp. (2:1 predators: herbivores), followed by L. continentale, V. vinifera and B. spinosa. The richness of predator morphospecies across all plant types was nearly double the number found in association with grapevines. It may be possible to increase the functional diversity of predatory arthropods by more than 3x when either B. spinosa or L. continentale is present versus grapevines only, and increase the net number of predator morphospecies by around 27% when Rytidosperma ssp. are planted in combination with the grapevines. The selected plants provide a suitable habitat to support diverse and functional populations of predatory arthropods. The opportunity to plant selected native insectary species could help wine grape growers save time and resources by producing fruit with lower pest incidence, while enhancing biodiversity of their vineyards.

DOI:

Publication date: September 26, 2023

Issue: GiESCO 2019

Type: Poster

Authors

M. J. RETALLACK12, L. J. THOMSON3, M. A. KELLER2

1* Retallack Viticulture Pty Ltd, Crafers West, South Australia 5152, Australia
2 School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, South Australia 5064, Australia 
3 School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia

Contact the author

Keywords

Bursaria spinosa, Leptospermum continentale,insectary, Rytidosperma ssp., predatory arthropods, vineyards

Tags

GiESCO | GiESCO 2019 | IVES Conference Series

Citation

Related articles…

Quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy 2H(D)-qNMR in the study of deuterium distribution in intracellular water and fermentation products of grape carbohydrates using ethyl alcohol as an example

The paper presents results that develop the results of studies carried out in 2022-2023 under the OIV grant on the topic of distribution of deuterium (2H(D)) in the intracellular water of grapes and wines, taking into account the impact of natural, climatic and technogenic factors using quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (qNMR).

Simulating climate change impact on viticultural systems in historical and emergent vineyards

Global climate change affects regional climates and hold implications for wine growing regions worldwide. Although winegrowers are constantly adapting to internal and external factors, it seems relevant to develop tools, which will allow them to better define actual and future agro-climatic potentials. Within this context, we develop a modelling approach, able to simulate the impact of environmental conditions and constraints on vine behaviour and to highlight potential adaptation strategies according to different climate change scenarios. Our modeling approach, named SEVE (Simulating Environmental impacts on Viticultural Ecosystems), provides a generic modeling framework for simulating grapevine growth and berry ripening under different conditions and constraints (slope, aspect, soil type, climate variability…) as well as production strategies and adaptation rules according to climate change scenarios. Each activity is represented by an autonomous agent able to react and adapt its reaction to the variability of environmental constraints. Using this model, we have recently analyzed the evolution of vineyards’ exposure to climatic risks (frost, pathogen risk, heat wave) and the adaptation strategies potentially implemented by the winegrowers. This approach, implemented for two climate change scenarios, has been initiated in France on traditional (Loire Valley) and emerging (Brittany) vineyards. The objective is to identify the time horizons of adaptations and new opportunities in these two regions. Carried out in collaboration with wine growers, this approach aims to better understand the variability of climate change impacts at local scale in the medium and long term.

Development of a new lab-scale carbonation method for applications to sparkling wines

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the gaseous species responsible for the sparkle in all sparkling wines, influencing their
visual appearance, aromas and mouthfeel.

Foliar application of urea improved the nitrogen composition of Chenin grapes

The nitrogen composition of the grapes directly affects the developments of alcoholic fermentation and influences the final aromatic composition of the wines. The aim of this study was to determine the effect and efficiency of foliar applications of urea on the nitrogen composition of grapes. This study was carried out during 2023 vintage and in the Chenin vineyard located in Estacion Experimental Mendoza (Argentina). Three urea concentrations 3, 6 and 9 Kg N/ha (C1, C2, and C3, respectively) and control (T) were applied in this vineyard at veraison. In all solutions were added 1ml/l of Tween 80 ® surfactant.

Digital PCR: a tool for the early detection of brettanomyces in wine

Brettanomyces bruxellensis is found in various ecological niches, but particularly in fermentative processes: beer, kombucha, cider and wine. In the oenological sector, this yeast is undesirable, as it can produce ethyl phenols, thus altering wine quality. These compounds are characterized by stable or horse-sweat aromas, unpleasant for consumers.