Please join viticulturist Dr Mary Retallack, Retallack Viticulture Pty Ltd, bird expert Phil Barron, Barron Environmental, and KI native plant guru Veronica Bates, KI Landscape Board, in the field to learn about the EcoVineyards project and how native insectary plants are being used by grape growers to benefit their vineyards. These insights are applicable to a wide range of horticultural crops.

This free event includes drinks and nibbles.

The EcoVineyards approach incorporates native insectary plants to create biodiverse ecosystems in and around horticultural systems. These plants support populations of insect predators, insectivorous birds, and microbats, which contribute towards biocontrol of vineyard pests and may ultimately lead to reduced input costs and the use of chemicals.

Join us in the field to hear more about the following:

Dr Mary Retallack, Viticulturist and Agroecologist, Retallack Viticulture Pty Ltd

An introduction to the EcoVineyards project and functional biodiversity enhancement
Information on native insectary plants, biocontrol options of insect pests and different ways of assessing arthropods (insects and spiders) in the field (practical demonstration)

Phil Barron, Bird and native plant expert, Barron Environmental

How to manage pest bird species and attract insectivorous and predatory bird species to your property (field walk)

Veronica Bates, Nursery Manager, KI Landscape Board

An introduction to native plants on KI and planting tips and tricks for success.

At this informal EcoVineyards update, participants will hear updates from existing EcoGrowers who will be available to answer questions about their EcoVineyards projects, and we will be launching the ‘Natural predators of vineyard insect pests booklet’, a guide to the natural enemies of grapevine pests in South Australia, with a hard copy available to each participant to take home on the day.

If you would like to attend this free event, please register via the Eventbrite page.

For more information, contact:

Mary Retallack (Retallack Viticulture Pty Ltd) mary@viti.com.au, or

Cassandra Douglas-Hill (Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator, Kangaroo Island Landscape Board) Cassandra.Douglas-Hill@sa.gov.au

This project is supported by the Kangaroo Island Landscape Board and Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, through funding from Australian Government's National Landcare Program.

Kangaroo Island Field Walk and Practical Demonstrations

Follow this organiser to stay informed on future events

Events you might like

SA Varroa T2M Update and Treatment Plan Development Workshop - KISA Varroa T2M Update and Treatment Plan Development Workshop - KI

SA Varroa T2M Update and Treatment Plan Development Workshop - KI