NEWS

Biosecurity Alert

With a number of detections of exotic plant pest the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug having occurred this season, Australian Grape and Wine encourages grape producers to exercise vigilance when undertaking crop monitoring.  There is an obligation to report any unusual pest or disease by calling the Plant Health Hotline.
 
The first of September through to 30th April is the high-risk season for exotic plant pest, the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB; Halyomorpha halys). During this time, additional import measures apply to imported sea cargo involving specific goods from certain countries where BMSB is present.  When there is a post-border BMSB detection, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry works closely with state and territory governments to manage the risk of the pest establishing a viable population in the environment. This season, multiple BMSB have been detected, and the Government is undertaking additional response activities including trapping, visual surveillance, sweeping of vegetation and treatment of high-risk sites. Response activities are currently underway in Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia.  It is not unusual for BMSB to be detected in close proximity to ports, and in previous seasons despite several detections, subsequent surveillance has shown that BMSB has failed to establish. Should further BMSB be detected, consideration will be given to the need for a national cost-shared response under the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD).
 
As always, we encourage producers to keep an eye out for any unusual pest or disease symptoms in their vineyards this season, including BMSB. If any suspected exotic pest or disease is found, there is an obligation to report this through the Plant Health Hotline on 1800 084 881. If you think you have seen BMSB, if possible, place them in a sealed container and take a photograph. BMSB looks similar to native Australian stink bugs with white bands on its antennae being a distinguishing feature.
 
BMSB is a nuisance pest found in certain Northern Hemisphere areas where it seeks shelter in large numbers during the winter months, including in equipment destined for trade. It can cause significant damage to a range of other horticultural crops, however grapes are generally not a preferred host. When crushed or disturbed, it has a foul-smelling odour to deter predators. This has been found to cause an unpleasant aroma in grape juice. Studies have delivered mixed results as to whether the taint persists in wine post- fermentation, but in any case it would be unusual to have populations sufficiently high to be an issue. Most overseas accounts from affected winegrape regions suggest it is not problematic for wine production.