As part of phase two of our Pathogen Eradication Strategies [8] project, we developed alternative strategies to optimise the eradication process and minimise the economic cost of returning the crop to its previous quality and production.

Research outcomes:

• An eradication protocol based on drastic pruning has been developed and validated for use on grapevines in the event of an incursion of the fungal disease, black rot (Guignardia bidwellii).
• A decision reference tool for consideration of non-destructive eradication to guide scientific assessment panels convened as part of consultative committees during incursions of perennial plant pathogens.
• Burning infected grapevine and pistachio material will eliminate Elsinoe ampelina and Xanthomonas translucens pv. pistaciae, respectively, if all material is completely burnt. X. translucens may survive on unburnt and buried wood for more than two years.

Research implications:

• The eradication protocol based on drastic pruning may be effective for other exotic pathogens of grapevines and other perennial crops but each will require validation before inclusion in Industry Biosecurity Plans.
• Completely burning infected grapevine and pistachio plant material will eliminate fungal and bacterial pathogens; further research is required to develop protocols for effective burns on different host plant material. Pathogens may survive in unburnt and buried material for more than two years so soil must remain undisturbed for three or more years.

Acknowledgements:

• South Australian Research and Development Institute
• Department of Primary Industries, Victoria
• Cornell University
• University of Adelaide
• B3 New Zealand
• The Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines, Northern Territory