Phylloxera

South Australia is Australia’s wine capital, responsible for more than 50% of the nation’s production. South Australia has some of the oldest vines in the world, thanks to the biosecurity systems that have prevented the introduction of the destructive insect pest, phylloxera.

The tiny insect has caused destruction in the world of wine. In the late 19th century, the phylloxera epidemic destroyed most of the winegrape vineyards in the US and Europe, which had to be replanted on phylloxera-resistant rootstocks.

Thankfully, phylloxera is confined to regions in Victoria and New South Wales, while South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania remains phylloxera free. South Australia’s ‘clean and green’ vines produce many thousands of award-winning wines.

But keeping South Australian vineyards free from phylloxera and other threats has never been more challenging. Biosecurity risks are intensifying. There are more opportunities than ever before for pests and diseases to reach South Australia and establish in our vineyards.

It can be tracked to currently uninfested vineyards on tyres, footwear and clothing.

Our vines need your help. Please respect our biosecurity systems and do not wander into vineyards. Stay on roads and tracks. Grapevine material can also be a vector for pests and diseases. Please leave the environment as you find it.

Enjoy our wines – protect our vines.

For more information please visit Vinehealth Australia