Dr Martina Bernard

This project investigated conservation biological control for the purpose of large-scale Integrated Pest Management (IPM) implementation in wine grapes, collecting data on seasonal population dynamics of polyphagous insect predators and of parasitoids of Epiphyas postvittana (lightbrown apple moth), and studying pesticide effects on Australian native beneficial invertebrates. IPM field demonstrations were completed concurrently with research over two years in several large commercial vineyards in the Yarra Valley, to maximise transfer of research findings into pest management practice. Research and research extension components of this project were fully integrated to maximise positive change towards sustainable farming practices. A key project milestone was published in 2007 following a wide collaboration and consultation process: ‘Guidelines for Environmentally Sustainable Wine Grape Production in Australia: IPM adoption assessment guide, providing detailed information on all aspects of pest management in sustainable grape production, and the basis for a future Australian certification scheme for genuinely sustainably produced wine grapes and table grapes.  Part A of this project was successfully concluded in 2007 and the final report approved by GWRDC. A Part B of this project has continued since mid 2007, further investigating pesticide effects on key Australian beneficial invertebrate species  in collaboration with Drs Alan Yen and Amanda Kobelt (DPI-Primary Industries Research Victoria, Knoxfield Centre), Paul Horne and Peter Cole (IPM Technologies Ltd.). DPI Knoxfield has provided all facilities for pesticide testing. Refereed papers from Parts A and B are in preparation.