Grapevine Leaf Rust

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Grapevine Leaf Rust - Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines

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Research

Research

The national funding body for grape and wine research, the Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation (GWRDC) has committed funds for a specially targeted project through the Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines (DPIFM). Darwin-based researchers working on the project are seeking to characterise the strain or strains of Grapevine Leaf Rust fungus detected, and to identify any immune grape varieties.

  • 429 different grapevine cultivars were imported under quarantine from SA and Vic to conduct laboratory based tests for immunity to grapevine leaf rust. Three cultivars showed high levels of resistance. However, none of these were well known commercial varieties. No cultivars were found to be immune.
  • Native Vitaceous species will also be tested to ensure that the fungus cannot escape into the wild. The Ampelocissus spp were added to the ongoing surveillance with 54 sites strategically identified across Darwin. Additional sites have been identified, with a total of 61 sites now under surveillance. These are monitored every 6-8 weeks during the wet season. 
  • Fungicides have been tested for use as controls of the rust both as "protectants" and "eradicants" with varying results. None of the fungicides trialed were able to eradicate completely the disease from an infected plant. However, many of them worked well when used for protection from disease and applied before infection.
  • With the cooperation of CSIRO Plant Industries Division and some local home owners, the conditions within the canopies of both native and commercial grapevines are currently being investigated to determine if any differences exist. These conditions include temperature, humidity and leaf wetness and may explain why commercial grapevines develop disease but native grapevines do not.
  • Diagnostic DNA tests have been established to streamline the verification process of any potential new outbreaks. Tests have been conducted on other rust species to ensure the system can distinguish grapevine leaf rust from the others.
  • Research into the growth rates of Darwin vines and leaf retention are ongoing with the aid of local home owners. This will give us a better understanding of the life span of leaves in Darwin and their ability to host diseases such as grapevine leaf rust.

The report on this research can be obtained from the GWRDC web site.