Review of the Biosecurity Plan and Manual for the Viticulture Industry
Abstract
To minimise the risk posed by exotic pests and pathogens to industry, it is important that the three viticulture industries identify the highest priority pests and work collectively to improve preparedness and response capacity and capability. This project enables the viticulture industry, in collaboration with government and other stakeholders to better prepare for and respond to incursions of pests that could have significant impacts on the viticulture industries. It identifies and prioritises exotic plant pests (not currently present in Australia) and established pests of biosecurity concern and focuses on future biosecurity challenges.
Summary
Outputs
The two key outputs delivered through this project are:
A Biosecurity Plan for the Viticulture industries (Version 4.0) which has been updated twice. Version 4.2 has recently been published.
The development of Threat Summary Tables (TST), constituting a list of 240 exotic plant pests and the potential biosecurity threat that they represent to the Australian viticulture industry was key to the biosecurity planning process. Each pest on the list was given an overall risk rating based on four criteria; entry potential, establishment potential, spread potential, and economic impact. In this biosecurity plan, established pests of biosecurity significance for the viticulture industry were also identified as good biosecurity practice is beneficial for the ongoing management and surveillance for these pests.
The Biosecurity Plan for the Viticulture Industries also details current mitigation and surveillance activities being undertaken and identifies contingency plans, fact sheets and diagnostic protocols that have been developed for pests relevant to the viticulture industry. This enables identification of gaps and prioritises specific actions, as listed in a Biosecurity Implementation Table. The implementation of activities included in this table will increase the viticulture industry's biosecurity preparedness and response capability by outlining specific areas of action which could be undertaken through a government and industry partnership. A copy of the Biosecurity Plan V4.2 is included with this final report.
During the life of the project, a Biosecurity Reference Panel comprising of industry representatives and technical specialists (e.g., entomologists, plant pathologists) met regularly (at least yearly). The reference panel reviewed the high priority pest list and monitored progress on the activities described in the implementation table.
A Vineyard Biosecurity Manual version 2.1. This manual developed for use by growers and viticulturalists was designed as a guide to biosecurity and practical measures growers and viticulturalists can implement to reduce the risks of pests and diseases impacting on their vineyard.The Vineyard Biosecurity Manual will provide high level introduction to biosecurity practices and explain the benefits of implementing on-farm practices so growers can adopt these practices to reduce risk. The Manual provided links to relevant materials addressing situation/state/industry-specific requirements. A copy of the Biosecurity Manual is included with this final report.
Outcomes
The development of the new Biosecurity Plan and the Biosecurity Manual was the catalyst for the formation of the Viticulture Technical Expert Group, which included both industry representatives and Technical Experts who reviewed the list of exotic pests (included in Threat Summary Tables) and assessed the risk that each pest post to the viticulture industries. The assessment of risk with regard to economic impact was in some instances different for the three viticulture industries. While the list is high priority pests for the three industries are similar, there is some variation based on the nature of the product (fresh table grapes compared to wine grapes compared with dried grapes).
The Biosecurity Implementation Group was formed to provide guidance in the development of the Biosecurity Plan and Biosecurity Manual. Members of this group also largely comprised the members of the Biosecurity Manual. Members of this group also largely comprised the members of the Biosecurity Reference Panel. Continuity of membership of the Implementation Group and Reference Panel benefited the project and the outcomes of the continued review of the Biosecurity Plan.
The current version of the Biosecurity Plan is available from Plant Health Australia. Please contact PHA on 02 6215 7700 or email admin@phau.com.au.