Grapes
Overview
Grapes are one of the largest fruit industries in Australia with hundreds of thousands of tonnes grown every year for wine production, and for our tables in fresh and dried forms.
Grown in every Australian state and territory, several pests attack grapevines.
Grapes are vulnerable to attack from a range of mites including Rust Mite, Blister Mite, Bud Mite, Bunch Mite and sometimes, Two-Spotted Mite. Mealybugs and scale cause honeydew at hotspots, resulting in sooty mould growth, and bunch rots which can downgrade quality.
Light Brown Apple Moth larvae cause chewing damage to the leaves, flowers, and bunches. Their feeding exacerbates existing botrytis problems.
Signs you have Grapes pests
The key to controlling pests in your grapevines effectively is detecting them early and introducing beneficials at the right moment.
- Light Brown Apple Moth Caterpillar. Grubs are light yellow-green and chewing damage is easy to see. This is often associated with white webbing and rolled leaves that grubs hide in.
- Mealybugs and scale insects. Look for honeydew and sooty mould.
- Bud Mites. These deform leaves and reduce cane vigour. Where infestation is high, bud failure occurs.
- Blister Mites. Unsightly blister-like growths appear on the upper surface.
- Rust Mites. Darkened and bronzed leaves indicate a presence of these pests in your crop. They damage developing buds, leaves, and shoots, can also cause bud failure, and reduce photosynthesis.
- Bunch Mites (Brevipalpus californicus and B. lewisi). Black raised spots and dark brown scar tissue on canes and bunch stems indicate the activity of bunch mites. The scar tissue can spread to the stalks and pedicles causing berries to shrivel.
Products you can use to control Grapes pests
Biological Services produces a range of products to control pests in your grapevines.
Other tips for managing pests in your Grapes
Mites can cause widespread and unexpected damage in your grapevines due to their ability to overwinter in dormant buds. Symptoms from the previous season will highlight areas that require treatments in the following season.
We recommend you release the predatory mite Doreen in spring and autumn and undertake regular scouting by a professional crop scout. We suggest releases over several seasons for proper establishment.
High rates of Sulphur are toxic to most beneficials, including predatory mites such as Doreen.
Get tailored advice for your commercial crop
To speak with one of our qualified consultants about your current commercial crop challenge or to learn about the benefits of the IPM maintenance and monitoring services we provide, contact us.