Key Project - New Germplasm Collection Establishement at UWA

With the discovery of Phomopsis cane and leaf spot at the DPIRD Manjimup vineyard in 2023, there has been an extensive project underway to transition of the WA Grapevine Germplasm Collection from DPIRD management with the relocation of the germplasm vineyard to the University of Western Australia. Grapevine varieties and rootstocks at the Manjimup site have undergone hot-water treatment and rigorous health screening before propagation. Following disease testing and selection, cuttings were successfully calloused and are being grown under controlled conditions, with vines required to complete a six-month growth period and receive final clearance before relocation.

Once approved, material is being transferred to a new planting site at UWA Shenton Park, where Wines of Western Australia (WoWA) will oversee ongoing management under a new governance model with funding support from WoWA and Wine Australia as well as in-kind support from UWA. This relocation secures the long-term future of WA’s planting bank, with the new site providing purpose-built facilities for maintaining high-health vines and expanding the state’s grapevine diversity, ensuring continued access to trusted propagation material for industry. It is anticipated that the new vineyard at UWA will be cleared to become a source block for industry material from 2030 onwards. 

You can read more about the relocation of the germplasm collection via our Chairman's report below: