The biology and epidemiology of the grapevine canker fungi, Botryosphaeria sp. Decline and dieback of grapevines is becoming an increasing problem for the viticulture industry in NSW. Recently, species of the fungus Botryosphaeria, were isolated from grapevines exhibiting these symptoms. In order to understand the biology and epidemiology of the causal organisms, we aim to; (i) determine species of Botryosphaeria present in NSW vineyards; (ii) determine which species are pathogenic on grapevines ....The biology and epidemiology of the grapevine canker fungi, Botryosphaeria sp. Decline and dieback of grapevines is becoming an increasing problem for the viticulture industry in NSW. Recently, species of the fungus Botryosphaeria, were isolated from grapevines exhibiting these symptoms. In order to understand the biology and epidemiology of the causal organisms, we aim to; (i) determine species of Botryosphaeria present in NSW vineyards; (ii) determine which species are pathogenic on grapevines; (iii) characterise the genetic diversity of strains and; (iv) screen fungicides for the control of these fungi. Information on the species, their biology and pathogenicity on grapevines, will enable the development of appropriate management strategies for its control and may lead to the development of molecular tools to identify species of Botryosphaeria.Read moreRead less
Vineyard soil health and microbial biodiversity under different cover crop and floor management practices. This project will examine vineyard ?soil health? by monitoring the populations of soil microorganisms under different vineyard cultural practices, with an emphasis on microbial populations capable of suppressing soil borne disease and of increasing the nutrient uptake by the vine. The project will identify vineyard cover crop and floor management practices for the improvement of soil healt ....Vineyard soil health and microbial biodiversity under different cover crop and floor management practices. This project will examine vineyard ?soil health? by monitoring the populations of soil microorganisms under different vineyard cultural practices, with an emphasis on microbial populations capable of suppressing soil borne disease and of increasing the nutrient uptake by the vine. The project will identify vineyard cover crop and floor management practices for the improvement of soil health and sustainability in the rapidly expanding wine industry, providing considerable economic and environmental advantages to regional and rural communities.Read moreRead less
Unravelling the links between plant transpiration, soil water and nitrate movement: impact of high atmospheric CO2 and irrigation strategy. Australia's serious environmental problems, soil salinity and acidity, may be greatly affected by rising atmospheric CO2 and irrigation strategies. This will occur if the movement of soil water and nitrate changes with transpiration. We will generate different transpiration rates by varying atmospheric CO2 above pastures and irrigation strategies in vineya ....Unravelling the links between plant transpiration, soil water and nitrate movement: impact of high atmospheric CO2 and irrigation strategy. Australia's serious environmental problems, soil salinity and acidity, may be greatly affected by rising atmospheric CO2 and irrigation strategies. This will occur if the movement of soil water and nitrate changes with transpiration. We will generate different transpiration rates by varying atmospheric CO2 above pastures and irrigation strategies in vineyards. The commercial partner's newly developed soil sensors allow, for the first time, simultaneous 3-D measurement of soil water and nitrate in real-time. The results will answer long-standing questions about impacts of transpiration rates on plant nitrogen uptake and generate valuable new knowledge for sustainable management of pastures and horticultural crops. Read moreRead less
Attract and reward: a novel approach to enhancing biological control of crop pests. Pests cause serious damage to Australia's agricultural crops. Current control relies heavily on synthetic pesticides. This project will develop novel products based on natural plant compounds to attract beneficial insects into crops where they will be supported with nectar, pollen and shelter to maximise their lifespan, reproduction, residency. This use of Australia's beneficial insect biodiversity will provide ....Attract and reward: a novel approach to enhancing biological control of crop pests. Pests cause serious damage to Australia's agricultural crops. Current control relies heavily on synthetic pesticides. This project will develop novel products based on natural plant compounds to attract beneficial insects into crops where they will be supported with nectar, pollen and shelter to maximise their lifespan, reproduction, residency. This use of Australia's beneficial insect biodiversity will provide novel pest control options to help transform the vegetable and grape industries. The work will reduce reliance on conventional pesticides; thereby contributing towards Australia's environmental sustainability and providing healthier foodstuffs. Read moreRead less