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vine moth caterpillar![]() |
Growth is now rampant and the vineyard is teeming with life. | Long-nosed Lycid Beetle (Porrostoma rhipidium) ![]() |
In our vineyard there are no good bugs and bad bugs. |
vine moth caterpillar![]() |
Darkling beetle (Chalcopteroides sp.)![]() |
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The vineyard is a favoured hunting ground for dragon flies. |
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Yellow flower wasp (Radumeris tasmaniensis), a predator on Scarab beetle larvae.![]() |
A tiny Robber fly (Atomosia sp.?)![]() |
A long-legged fly (Dolichopodidae sp.) a predator on aphids and other soft-bodied insects.![]() |
Case moth (Psychida sp.) the caterpillar hides in a case made from dry plant material and silk.![]() |
Common spotted ladybirds (Harmonia conformis) feed on aphids, scale and mites.![]() |
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But there is work to do! With the vines growing so fast thinning becomes necessary. All shoots are hand-sorted and unwanted watershoots removed. |
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Depending on the season, mowing and trimming start. A special mower throws the cut grass as mulch under the vines. |
Suckers growing from the trunk are rubbed off, usually at least three times during a season. | ![]() |
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In hot weather the work is best done early in the morning. | ![]() |
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Flowering starts with the little cap over the bud falling off and the stamens shedding pollen. Grape vines are wind pollinated, so now we need kind weather with not too much wind and rain for a good fruit set. |
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© Sarsfield Estate | ![]() |