South Africa Wine Research Projects

2. VITICULTURE RESEARCH PROJECT IN PROGRESS

2.1 GRAPEVINE PROTECTION – INSECTS AND PESTS ESTABLISHING A BARCODING DATABASE OF LOCAL PESTS OF DECIDUOUS FRUIT

SU-EE PA 23-01 Prof Pia Addison, Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University Start date: 2023

AIM AND INDUSTRY RELEVANCE: This project aims to develop new knowledge regarding South African pests and to have an ac curate, repeatable and rapid identification method for such pests to ensure market access and good management. Morphological identifications of insects can be problematic when dealing with immature stages or species complexes, such as with the banded fruit weevil complex and fruit flies ( Ceratitis rosa and Ceratitis quilicii ). Immature insects (e.g. fruit-fly larvae) must be reared first since morphological identifications can only be made with adult insects. With validated sequencing, where pest insects are identified by taxonomists and sequenced molecularly, it will be possible to establish a reference database for South African pest insects, especially those that are local and barcoding sequences are not available. South Africa is experiencing a shortage of taxonomists for various insect groups, which means there will be no experts available for morphological insect identifications in the future, as very few people are being trained to take over. Accurate insect identifications significantly impact the management of pests, specifically those of quarantine significance, since incorrect identifications lead to loss of access and financial implications for growers. The outcome of this project will allow for easier identifications by people not trained as Entomol ogists. It is critical, however, to establish a good morphological base on which to make these sequences available.

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SOUTH AFRICA WINE RESEARCH 2024