Are sterile insects the future of pest control? We explore the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) in the June issue of Australian and New Zealand Grapegrower & Winemaker Magazine.
SIT is being used to control fruit fly, with success eradicating outbreaks in South Australia, and reducing pest pressure in Western Australia, Victoria and New South Wales. And it may have applications to other pests that threaten viticultural industries.
Meanwhile, our CEO Inca Lee has been profiled by the International Year of Plant Health. “Protecting vineyards against pests has never been more challenging, so it’s critical that we all work together,” Inca says.
“Our vineyards are particularly vulnerable to the entry and spread of pests due to the strong connectivity within our industry. People, equipment, grapes and grape products, planting material, vehicles and machinery commonly move from vineyard to vineyard, within regions, between regions and between states.
“Keeping vineyards safe is a huge job, but our wine industry is far too important to take our foot off the biosecurity pedal.”