
Ms Mary Retallack
Higher Degree by Research Candidate
PhD Candidate
School of Agriculture, Food and Wine
Faculty of Sciences
BAppSc, PGradDip (NRM), BEd, GradDip (Viticulture), PCert (Arb), CPAg, GAICD, ARLF
Mary is an agricultural scientist and third-generation viticulturist who brings a wide range of skills and experience from practical, extension, research and consultancy roles both within Australia and overseas, over the past two decades. Mary is Managing Director of Retallack Viticulture Pty Ltd which offers a broad range of viticultural consulting services throughout Australia, a Director of Wine Australia, editorial panel member of The Australian and New Zealand Grapegrower and Winemaker Journal, member of the Adelaide University Wine Alumni Steering Group, and advisory board member of ‘Women of the Vine’ Global Symposium. She is also an ambassador for PIRSA’s Women influencing agribusiness and regions strategy.
Mary is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors course, Fellow of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, a graduate of the Wine Future Leaders Program, and a Len Evans Tutorial Scholar and is recognised internationally as a Certified Practising Agriculturist (CPAg), by the Global Alliance of Independent Agricultural Consultants and Ag Institute Australia.
Mary’s leadership capabilities, contribution to STEM and excellence in science have been acknowledged via the RIRDC Rural Woman of the Year (national winner), as an inductee on Emerald Grain’s list of 100 Women in Australian Agribusiness, SARDI Women's Suffrage Centenary Bursary recipient, an inductee in the Businesswomen’s Hall of Fame, a Women in Innovation finalist and as a participant in the National Farmers’ Federation inaugural 'Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program'.
Mary is a PhD candidate at the University of Adelaide studying the use of native insectary plants to boost the presence of predatory arthropods in vineyards.
Evaluating native insectary plants to boost the presence of predatory arthropods which may provide greater biological pest control options in vineyards.
Which species of Tortricidae leafrollers are key insect pests in South Australian vineyards?
Light brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is regarded as the key insect pest in Australian vineyards and it is also an important pest of apples and citrus. E. postvittana is indigenous to Australia and has a wide geographical distribution. Recent observations suggest that leafroller species other than E. postvittana may be causing damage in grapevine canopies. A study of tortricids was undertaken in Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale vineyards, South Australia. A total of 407 specimens of Tortricidae were collected from grapevine canopies. Molecular techniques were used to identify species. The mean prevalence of E. postvittana per sample was 91.0% in 2014/15 and 96.2% in 2015/16. Larval Acropolitis rudisana, lucerne leafroller, Merophyas divulsana and cotton tipworm, Crocidosema plebejana were also found on the grapevine canopy at much lower densities for the first time. The presence of leafroller species A. rudisana, M. divulsana and C. plebejana on grapevines confirms these species of Tortricidae may also be present in South Australian vineyards. This study confirms that E. postvittana is the most common tortricid pest in Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale vineyards and also illustrates the utility of molecular methods in determining with confidence the species identity of larval Tortricidae.
Predatory arthropods associated with potential insectary plants for Australian vineyards
We evaluated three native plants to determine their capacity to provide insectary benefits to predatory arthropods in vineyards, and thereby to enhance biological control of insect pests. Establishing insectary plants could reduce the need for insecticides by boosting the abundance of predators. Native plants are preferred as supplementary flora, as they are naturally adapted to Australia’s climatic conditions. We looked at the potential for using these native insectary plants around Australia. Stands of mature Bursaria spinosa, Leptospermum continentaleand Rytidosperma ssp. located adjacent to or in the mid-rows of Adelaide Hills and Barossa vineyards were sampled in 2013/14. Vitis vinifera was also sampled. We found that these native insectary plants are naturally adapted to all of the major wine growing regions within Australia. Bursaria spinosa and L. continentale have the potential to be used as insectary plants in association with Australian vineyards, as they support populations of predatory arthropods throughout the year. Rytidosperma ssp. could provide insectary benefits on sites where Ommatoiulus moreletiiis not considered to be a problem. This study confirms associations between predatory arthropods and three native plants. The opportunity to plant selected native insectary species could help wine grape growers produce fruit with lower insecticide inputs, while enhancing biodiversity and resilience of their vineyards.
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Appointments
Date Position Institution name 2018 Viticulturist Retallack Viticulture Pty Ltd 2005 - 2009 Senior Consultant / Viticulturist Scholefield Robinson Horticultural Services 2003 - 2005 Vineyard Manager Mountadam Vineyards 2001 - 2003 Project Leader Cooperative Research Centre for Viticulture 2000 - 2000 Cellar Operations Matanzas Creek Winery 1996 - 2003 Project Coordinator and Lecturer TAFESA 1995 - 1996 Lecturer TAFESA 1995 - 1995 Project Manager TAFESA -
Awards and Achievements
Date Type Title Institution Name Country Amount 2018 Achievement Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program National Farmers Federation Australia — 2018 Research Award 2018 Winnovation Awards Finalist Women in Innovation Australia — 2017 Award Businesswomen’s Hall of Fame HerBusiness Australia — 2015 Achievement Women Influencing Agribusiness and Regions, Ambassador Primary Industries and Regions, SA Australia — 2014 Scholarship Len Evans Scholarship The Len Evans Foundation Australia — 2014 Recognition 100 Women in Australian Agribusiness Emerald Grain — — 2013 Scholarship GREENHOUSE 2013 Natural Resource Management Scholarship South Australian Government Australia — 2013 Award SARDI Women’s Suffrage Centenary Bursary South Australian Research and Development Institute Australia — 2012 Scholarship AHWR Postgraduate Biodiversity Study Grant Adelaide Hills Wine Region Australia — 2012 Scholarship Australian Postgraduate Award The University of Adelaide Australia — 2012 Scholarship CJ Everard Supplementary Scholarship The University of Adelaide — — 2012 Scholarship PhD Scholarship Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation — — 2012 Award RIRDC Rural Women's Award, National winner Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation — — 2012 Award RIRDC Rural Woman's Award, South Australia winner Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Australia — 2008 Scholarship Australian Rural Leadership Program - Course 15 Australian Rural Leadership Foundation Australia — 2007 Scholarship Future Leaders - Succession for the Australian Wine Sector Winemakers Federation of Australia Australia — 2007 Scholarship Pathways to Rural Leadership DAFF Australia — -
Education
Date Institution name Country Title 2012 University of Adelaide Australia PhD Candidate 1998 - 2000 The University of Adelaide Australia Graduate Diploma 1997 - 1999 University of South Australia Australia Bachelor 1994 - 1994 University of Adelaide Australia Post Graduate Diploma 1991 - 1993 University of South Australia Australia Bachelor of Applied Science -
Certifications
Date Title Institution name Country 2012 Advanced Wine Assessment Course Australian Wine Research Institute Australia 2011 Practitioner’s Certificate in Mediation Institute of Arbitrators and Mediators Australia Australia 2010 Professional Certificate in Arbitration The University of Adelaide Australia 2009 Australian Institute of Company Directors Diploma Australian Institute of Company Directors Australia 2002 Certificate ‘in ‘Professional Introductory Wine Ev University of Adelaide Australia 1999 Certificate Level 4 in First Line Management Onkaparinga Institute of TAFE Australia 1998 Certificate in Food Processing (Wine) Viticulture Onkaparinga Institute of TAFE Australia 1998 Certificate Level 4 in Workplace Training (Categor Onkaparinga Institute of TAFE Australia -
Research Interests
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Journals
Year Citation 2019 Retallack, M., Thomson, L., & Keller, M. (2019). Predatory arthropods associated with potential native insectary plants for Australian vineyards. Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research.
2018 Retallack, M., Mackay, D., Thomson, L., & Keller, M. (2018). Which species of Tortricidae leafrollers are key insect pests in South Australian vineyards?. Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia, 142(2), 130-142.
Scopus12018 Retallack, M. J., & Keller, M. (2018). Which species of Tortricid leafroller do I have in my vineyard?. The Australian and New Zealand Grapegrower and Winemaker., (656), 36-42. 2018 Retallack, M. J. (2018). The importance of biodiversity and ecosystem services in production landscapes. The Australian and New Zealand Grapegrower and Winemaker, (567), 36-43. 2015 Gogoll, N. (2015). Industry agreement on how to tackle the downturn. The Australian and New Zealand Grapegrower and Winemaker, (621), 14. 2014 Retallack, M. J. (2014). My View: Where is our industry’s next generation?. The Australian and New Zealand Grapegrower and Winemaker, (600), 6. 2014 Retallack, M. J. (2014). My View: The Len Evans Tutorial - there is nothing else like it. The Australian and New Zealand Grapegrower and Winemaker, (611), 6. 2013 Retallack, M. J. (2013). Being proactive to avoid disputes eventuating in the vineyard. The Australian and New Zealand Grapegrower and Winemaker, (588), 15-18. 2012 Retallack, M. J. (2012). What can be done in the vineyard to manage risk in difficult seasons?. The Australian and New Zealand Grapegrower and Winemaker, (586), 30-37. 2012 Retallack, M. J. (2012). What can be done in the vineyard to manage risk in difficult seasons?. The Australian and New Zealand Grapegrower and Winemaker, (587), 30-34. 2011 Retallack, M. J. (2011). Experts share their top tips for post-harvest. The Australian and New Zealand Grapegrower and Winemaker, (568), 34-35. 2010 Retallack, M. J. (2010). Rural India Inspires Resilience and Capacity Building. Australian Viticulture, (January/February), 72-74. 2010 Retallack, M. J., Smart, R., Ludvigsen, K., Rose, B., & Radford, S. (2010). Roundtable discussion: winter pruning. The Australian and New Zealand Grapegrower and Winemaker Journal, 557, 57-61. 2010 Retallack, M. J., Smart, R., Ludvigsen, K., Rose, B., & Radford, S. (2010). Roundtable discussion: winter pruning. The Australian and New Zealand Grapegrower and Winemaker Journal, 557, 57-61. 2010 Retallack, M. J. (2010). A day in the Kosovo wine industry. Australian Viticulture, (November/December), 63-64. 2009 Retallack, M. J., & Drew, C. (2009). Managing Dispute Risk. Wine Business Magazine, December/January. 2009 Retallack, M. J., & DiCicco, R. (2009). People Power needed in tough economic times. National Grapegrowers and Vignerons, (August), 17. 2009 Retallack, M. J. (2009). Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM) – an entirely manageable pest. The Vine, 4(2), 32-33. 2007 Retallack, M. J. (2007). Precautions Against the Introduction or Spread of Phylloxera - Disinfestation Techniques for Winter Pruning Staff. Australian Viticulture,, May, 35-37. 2007 Retallack, M. J., & Scholefield, P. B. (2007). Grapevine Management Options in Times of Drought. The Australian and New Zealand Grapegrower and Winemaker Journal, (December), 51-53. 2006 Retallack, M. J. (2006). The best ways to manage mid-rows in vineyards. National Grapegrowers, (March), 58-59. 2006 Retallack, M. J. (2006). Careful management beats frost. National Grapegrowers, (June), 19. 2006 Retallack, M. J., & McMichael, P. (2006). Purchasing Planting Material? Key Questions to Ask the Nursery. Australian Viticulture, (November/December), 49-56. 2005 Retallack, M. J. (2005). A snapshot of how Chardonnay is being managed in nine Australian vineyards’. Australian Viticulture, (March/April), 56-61. 2005 Retallack, M. J. (2005). A snapshot of how Chardonnay is being managed in nine Australian vineyards’. Australian Viticulture, (March/April), 56-61. 2001 Treeby, M., Robinson, B., Retallack, M. J., Braybrook, D., & Grieger, G. (2001). Nitrogen management for improved quality and sustainability. Australian and New Zealand grapegrower and winemaker, 449a(Annual Technical Issue), 95-96. 2001 Treeby, M., Robinson, B., Retallack, M. J., Braybrook, D., & Grieger, G. (2001). Nitrogen management for improved quality and sustainability. Australian and New Zealand grapegrower and winemaker, 449a(Annual Technical Issue), 95-96. -
Books
Year Citation 2011 Retallack, M. J. (2011). A guide to negotiating the sale of winegrapes in the Barossa. Barossa Grape and Wine Association. 2011 Retallack, M. J. (2011). Vineyard biodiversity and insect interactions – establishing and monitoring insectariums. Adelaide: GWRDC Regional – SA Central. 2010 Retallack, M. J. (2010). Enhancing biodiversity in the vineyard. Adelaide: Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board. -
Report for External Bodies
Year Citation 2006 Retallack, M. J. (2006). Phylloxera and Grape Industry Board SA - Viticulture Study Tour, Europe 2006 Final Report to GWRDC. Adelaide.
2013 SARDI Women's Suffrage Centenary Bursary, SARDI
2012 Australian Postgraduate Award, University of Adelaide
2012 CJ Everard Supplementary Scholarship, University of Adelaide
2012 GWRDC PhD Scholarship, Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation
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Board Memberships
Date Role Board name Institution name Country 2015 - 2015 Director The Australian Wine Research Institute The Australian Wine Research Institute Australia 2015 - ongoing Director Australian Grape and Wine Authority (Wine Australia) Australian Grape and Wine Authority, trading as Wine Australia Australia 2013 - 2015 Member South Australian Wine Industry Council Primary Industries and Regions South Australia Australia 2013 - 2014 Advisory Board Member Networking the Networks Advisory Group National Rural Women's Coalition Australia 2013 - 2013 Director Wine Communicators of Australia Wine Communicators of Australia Australia 2012 - 2015 Advisory Board Member Wine Grape Growers Australia Decision Support Network Wine Grape Growers Australia Australia 2009 - ongoing Director Retallack Viticulture Pty Ltd Retallack Viticulture Pty Ltd Australia 2008 - 2011 Director Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation Australia -
Committee Memberships
Date Role Committee Institution Country 2014 - 2016 Advisory Board Member Women of the Vine Global Symposium Advisory Board Women of the Vine Global Symposium United States 2011 - ongoing Member Adelaide University Wine Alumni Steering Group The University of Adelaide — -
Memberships
Date Role Membership Country 2012 - ongoing Member Australian Women in Agriculture Australia 2012 - ongoing Member Wine Communicators of Australia Australia 2008 - ongoing Member Australian Rural Leadership Foundation Fellow Australia 2008 - ongoing Member Australian Institute of Company Directors Australia 2005 - ongoing Member Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology Australia 2000 - ongoing Member Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology Australia -
Editorial Boards
Date Role Editorial Board Name Institution Country 2012 - ongoing Member The Australian and New Zealand Grapegrower and Winemaker Journal Editorial Panel The Australian and New Zealand Grapegrower and Winemaker Journal Australia
Connect With Me
External Profiles