An increasingly significant disease in grapevines in eastern Australia is the subject of new research at Charles Sturt University (CSU). PhD student Micheal Qiu is examining the grapevine trunk disease known as Bot canker in the Hunter Valley and Mudgee wine grape growing regions. The disease is thought to be responsible for productivity losses of overseas grapevines of up to one-third. The postgraduate research is being conducted through the National Wine and Grape Industry Centre (NWGIC) at CSU in Wagga Wagga. It aims to provide a better understanding of the disease and therefore better management of the problem. The project will examine the distribution, identity, pathogenicity and genetic variation of the causal agents of Bot canker. Several fungicides will also be tested in the laboratory for their ability to control the disease. The research is being funded by the Australian Research Council, Bayer Crop Science Pty Ltd, Hunter Valley Vineyard Association and the Mudgee Wine Grape Growers Association.