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…

Physiological and growth reaction of Shiraz/101-14 Mgt to row orientation and soil water status

Advanced knowledge on grapevine row orientation is required to improve establishment, management and outcomes of vineyards on terroirs with different environmental conditions (climate, soil, topography) and in view of a future change to more extreme climatic conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the combined effect of row orientation, plant water status and ripeness level on the physiological and viticultural reaction of Shiraz/101-14 Mgt.

Effects of mechanical leafing and deficit irrigation on Cabernet Sauvignon grown in warm climate of California

San Joaquin Valley accounts for 40% of wine grape acreage and produces 70% of wine grape in California. Fruit quality is one of most important factors which impact the economical sustainability of farming wine grapes in this region. Due to the recent drought and expected labor cost increase, the wine industry is thrilled to understand how to improve fruit quality while maintaining the yield with less water and labor input. The present study aims to study the interactive effects of mechanical leafing and deficit irrigation on yield and berry compositions of Cabernet Sauvignon grown in warm climate of California.

The effects of cane girdling on berry texture properties and the concentration of some aroma compounds in three table grape cultivars

The marketability of the table grapes is highly influenced by the consumer demand; therefore the market value of the table grapes is mainly characterized by its berry size, colour, taste and texture. Girdling could cause accumulation of several components in plants above the ringing of the phloem including clusters and resulting improved maturity. The aim of the experiments was to examine the effect of girdling on berry texture characteristics and aroma concentration.

Application of a fluorescence-based method to evaluate the ripening process and quality of Pinot Blanc grape

The chemical composition of grape berries at harvest is one of the most important factors that should be considered to produce high quality wines. Among the different chemical classes which characterize the grape juice, the polyphenolic compound, such as flavonoids, contribute to the final taste and color of wines. Recently, an innovative non-destructive method, based on chlorophyll fluorescence, was developed to estimate the phenolic maturity of red grape varieties through the evaluation of anthocyanins accumulated in the berry skin. To date, only few data are available about the application of this method on white grape varieties.

Different yield regulation strategies in semi-minimal-pruned hedge (SMPH) and impact on bunch architecture

Yields in the novel viticulture training system Semi-Minimal-Pruned Hedge (SMPH) are generally higher compared to the traditional Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP). Excessive yields have a negative impact on the vine and wine quality, which can result in substantial losses in yield in subsequent vintages (alternate bearing) or penalties in fruit quality. Therefore yield regulation is essential. The bunch architecture in SMPH differs from VSP. Generally there is a higher amount but smaller bunches with lower single berry weights in SMPH compared to VSP.