Vineyard pests targeted through new PhD research

Two significant pests to Australian vineyards are being targeted in a new project led by Australian National University (ANU) PhD candidate Yilin Bai, who has been awarded Wine Australia’s Dr Tony Jordan OAM Award 2026.

A key part of Ms Bai’s research is developing an easy and reliable way to accurately identify scale insect and mealybug species using machine learning and genetic tools. The project will also use genomic methods to track how the pests spread across vineyards.

Scale insects and mealybugs can damage grapevines by feeding on plant sap, which can reduce vine vigour and slow growth. As they feed, they excrete honeydew that coats leaves and grape bunches, encouraging sooty mould which reduces photosynthesis and contaminates fruit. This contamination can lead to downgraded or rejected grapes at harvest. Scale insects and mealybugs are also known vectors of grapevine viruses, further compounding their potential impact on vine health and productivity.

Despite their impact, many aspects of their biology, ecology and movement across vineyards remain poorly understood.

“Knowing exactly which pests are present will help improve understanding of how they behave in vineyards and support the development of more precise and effective biological control strategies,” explained Wine Australia General Manager Research and Innovation Dr Paul Smith.

Named in honour of the late Dr Tony Jordan OAM, the Award recognises the most outstanding applicant of Wine Australia’s annual PhD and Master by Research top-up scholarship program, which aims to attract researchers to the fields of viticulture, wine and wine business.

“I am extremely grateful to Wine Australia for receiving the Dr Tony Jordan OAM Award alongside my PhD top up scholarship,” said Ms Bai, who will collaborate with other researchers from ANU and the Australian Wine Research Institute via the ARC Training Centre in Plant Biosecurity.

“With the guidance of my collaborators, I hope to provide the Australian wine industry with science-based strategies to manage these challenging pests more effectively.

Recipient of the Dr Tony Jordan OAM Memorial Award, PhD candidate Yilin Bai.

Seven PhD candidates, including Ms Bai, have received Wine Australia PhD top up scholarships in 2026. Based at leading Australian universities, their research focuses on practical outcomes for the wine sector, from improved vineyard management and biosecurity to smart sensing technologies and innovative wine products.

An additional project-based PhD scholarship has also been awarded to Jiaoying Qiao (Ying) for his research into the use of artificial intelligence in advisory services, which is being carried out in collaboration with the One Basin Cooperative Research Centre.

“Maintaining strong research capability is essential to the long term success of the Australian wine sector,” Dr Smith said.

“This round of scholarships supports emerging researchers whose work will address real world challenges for grapegrowers and winemakers, while strengthening collaboration between the sector and our leading research institutions.”