ADAMA Australia recently look Elders graduate agronomist on an eye-opening tour of Barossa Valley to discuss the pests and diseases plaguing South Australian viticulture.
(L-R) Elders Graduate Agronomy Cohort 2023 with Elder’s Tech Services Team; Mikaela Jericho (Technical Services Coordinator), Craig Farlow (Technical Services Manager), Graham Page (Head of Technical Services) and Catherine Chenoweth (Technical Services Specialist).
Grapevine scale is an emerging pest in South Australia that can greatly affect the viticulture industry when female scale pests position the hatching of their young in spring to coincide with grape vine budburst.
Daniel Polson, ADAMA Australia’s Market Developer and Manager for Horticulture in Southern Australia, discussed the importance of young agronomists understanding the key pests and diseases impacting wine grape production.
“It is vital to be able to understand the different stages in the lifecycle of pests, this facilitates early identification and increases the likelihood of outbreak control,” said Mr Polson.
Discussing the use of available insecticides, such as ADAMA’s Trivor® and Uptown®, including the positioning of their application, Mr Polson hopes crop tours and education will encourage young agronomists to understand and confidently recommend key products to growers in their regions.
“One piece of advice I would give agronomists of today, who have an interest in viticulture, is to watch and understand the climatic conditions involved in the lifecycle of pests” Mr Polson said.
Following an insightful vineyard pests and disease identification workshop, the Elders’ agronomy cohort toured ADAMA’s broadacre solution and were able to see the outcome of plot trials, treated with both pre-emergent and post emergent chemistry.
Lachlan Mickan, National Horticulture Manager, focused discussions on the application of fungicides and insecticides, as well as market conditions, highlighting the importance industry trials.
“Going beyond understanding available products, to really dig down into what does and doesn’t work and not being afraid to ask for help from the greater industry network.”
“At the end of the day it is all about these graduates getting the best result for their growers, themselves and ultimately the company they represent.”
Graham Page, Head of Agronomy and Technical Services at Elders, spoke about the importance of graduate agronomists having a fully comprehensive understanding of disease and insect management.
“Farming faces so many challenges today, including climate variability, market access, resistance management and all the social impacts associated with pesticide use,” Mr Page said.
“It’s crucial for our agronomist to have the best knowledge possible to help guide our clients regarding decisions around insect and disease management in order to prioritise both financial and environmental sustainability.”