85 Phylloxera Extension: National Phylloxera Management and Identification Workshops P.T. Mee, G.A. Korosi and K.S. Powell Department of Primary Industries Biosciences Research Division Rutherglen, Victoria 3685 Australia Keywords: phylloxera workshops, KeePad TM technology, awareness, accreditation Abstract Agricultural extension programs are an effective means of communication to raise productivity, assist farmers in identifying problems and engage industry to change practices. Evidence of the effectiveness of extension programs has been highlighted in recent evaluations of National Phylloxera Management and Identification Workshops which have been conducted annually in Australia, for the past sixteen years, educating over 1,500 people. Grapevine phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae Fitch) is a significant biosecurity issue for the Australian viticulture industry, due to the predominance of ungrafted Vitis vinifera L. plantings, with the insect being contained by legislation within designated quarantine boundaries. New infestations, both within and outside quarantine boundaries, are primarily identified by vineyard staff, noticing changes in vine canopy health, which highlights the need for effective informative extension. Phylloxera workshops cover a range of core topics, including phylloxera biology, genotypic interactions, geographical distribution, detection methods, quarantine protocols and rootstock selection. Over recent years, all workshops have been evaluated using KeePad TM technology and revised accordingly. In addition, supplementary audio visual and reference material has been developed. Successful completion of this programme not only has been shown to cause a 50% increase in phylloxera attained knowledge and awareness within the industry but also enables participants to receive accredited units towards a national accredited Certificate IV in Agriculture. Recent phylloxera outbreaks in Australia highlight the need for increased awareness of this significant pest across all viticulture regions. This has been achieved in Australia through the delivery of National Phylloxera Management and Identification Workshops, assisting in restricting phylloxera’s spread and ensuring the security of the viticultural industry. INTRODUCTION The Australasia-Pacific Extension Network (2010) defines extension to be, “the adult education and communication processes to help people and communities identify potential improvements to their practices, and then provide them with the skills and resources to effect these improvements”. Phylloxera extension achieves this through its National Phylloxera Management and Identification Workshops. Established in 1994, phylloxera workshops have educated over 1,500 participants during the period of 1994 to 2009 (PGIBSA, 2010; Powell et al., 2009). Phylloxera workshops are conducted annually and are adapted on a regular basis to encompass the educational requirements of a diverse audience, which includes grape growers, viticulturist, vineyard workers, managers, consultants, contractors, nursery staff, winemakers, quarantine officers, phylloxera surveyors and students. Phylloxera workshops achieve this extension goal based on a principle of continual evolution, improvement and adaptation, which has been enhanced since 2007 through the utilization of KeePad TM technology. Phylloxera was first recognized as a threat to international viticulture in the 1860s when it was accidentally introduced to Europe (Powell, 2008). Later detected in Geelong, Australia in 1877, this insect has been contained in areas of Victoria and New South Proc. 5 th International Phylloxera Symposium Eds.: M. Griesser and A. Forneck Acta Hort. 904, ISHS 2011