Attend and present poster at the 18th Biennial Australasian Plant Pathology Society (APPS) Conference concurrent with the 4th Asian Conference on Plant Pathology (ACPP), Darwin, NT, 26th-29th April

Abstract

The purpose of this travel is to present the results of Wine Australia Winegrowing Futures funded research on the management of Botryosphaeriaceae in Australian vineyards and to establish contact with scientific researchers and industry personnel.

Summary

Fungal pathogens from the Diatrypaceae (Eutypa lata) and Botryosphaeriaceae families (Diplodia, Dothiorella, Neofussicoccum and Botryosphaeria) are responsible for the grapevine trunk diseases Eutypa dieback and ‘bot’ canker, respectively. These diseases reduce yields and increase production costs, thereby impacting productivity and longevity of vineyards. Protection of pruning wounds is the most effective means of preventing grapevine trunk diseases. Field trials conducted over 3 consecutive seasons from 2007-2010 have assessed the potential of a range of fungicides as potential pruning wound protectants (Pitt et al. 2010; Pitt and Savocchia 2010). Management of grapevine trunk diseases is essential for sustainable production into the future.

Considerable research is being conducted on the Botryosphaeriaceae and Diatrypaceae in other countries and it is of utmost importance that Australian growers and researchers are kept up to date with the latest information on this pathogen and its control. Key plant pathologists and specialists in grapevine diseases will be attending the conference and the information gathered there will be used to strengthen current partnerships and develop new collaborations. Attendance will also assist the applicant in further establishing himself as researcher in the area of grapevine pathology. The most current information gained will be transferred to grapegrowers, winemakers and industry personnel through presentations, workshops and publications in academic and industry journals.