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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 47(4)

Beneficial organisms as bioindicators for environmental sustainability in the grape industry in Australia

L. J. Thomson A B C , D. J. Sharley A B and A. A. Hoffmann A B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A CRCV for Viticulture, PO Box 154, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia.

B Centre for Environmental Stress and Adaptation Research, Department of Zoology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic. 3010, Australia.

C Corresponding author. Email: lthom@unimelb.edu.au

Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 47(4) 404-411 https://doi.org/10.1071/EA05183
Submitted: 30 June 2005  Accepted: 1 June 2006   Published: 9 March 2007

Abstract

Increased biodiversity is being promoted as an important aim for Australian agriculture, but the measurement of biodiversity is problematic and often not practical. An alternative involves the development of surrogate indicators for biodiversity on farms that have direct links to production. One group of organisms that may perform this function in vineyards is the beneficial invertebrates that have a direct impact on pest abundance. If we can identify the effects of common management practices on invertebrates that are important in the wine industry, we can identify target organisms whose presence suggests good and sustainable practice. Here we identify key invertebrates, both pests and natural enemies, in grape production, the effects of some management practices on these invertebrates, and suggest steps to develop these invertebrates into sustainability indicators for the viticulture industry.

Additional keywords: natural enemies.


Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the Commonwealth Cooperative Research Centre Program. It was conducted through the CRC for Viticulture with support from Australia’s grapegrowers and winemakers through their investment body the Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation. Matching funds were received from the federal government. Infrastructure support for this research was provided by the Centre for Environmental Stress and Adaptation Research which was funded by the Australian Research Council.


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