Drones Deliver Wasp Attack on Vineyard Pests

In the scenic heart of South Africa's Western Cape, Vergelegen Wine Estate, a winery steeped in history since its establishment in 1700, is embracing a cutting-edge approach to combat vineyard pests and diseases. Known for its commitment to excellence and innovation, Vergelegen has recently adopted a novel technique that combines nature and technology: deploying predatory wasps using drones to protect their vineyards.

The initiative at Vergelegen is a result of a collaboration between two forward-thinking companies: SkyBugs, specialists in biological pest control, and Aerobotics, an agricultural technology firm that supplies the drones. The strategy they have devised is as innovative as it is eco-friendly.

The process involves drones flying approximately 30 meters above the vineyard, releasing plastic film cartridges filled with wasp pupae, which are in the final stage before maturing into adult wasps. Each drone release disperses around 500 wasps, specifically selected for being native to South Africa. As these wasps mature, they begin their critical role: targeting and eliminating mealybugs, which are notorious for spreading leafroll virus. This virus disrupts the uniform ripening of grapes, a problem that significantly hampers the production of high-quality wine by delaying the accumulation of essential sugars in the fruit.

An Eco-Friendly Alternative to Pesticides

This method offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional pesticides. The wasps are natural parasites to the mealybugs, laying their eggs inside the pests. As the larvae develop, they consume the mealybugs from within, effectively eradicating the pest population and curbing the spread of the virus in the vineyard.

Experts from SkyBugs highlight that this method not only reduces the need for chemical interventions but also fosters a more balanced ecosystem within the vineyard. The use of predatory wasps aligns with global trends towards more sustainable agricultural practices, emphasizing reduced chemical usage and a greater reliance on biological control methods.

Vergelegen's adoption of drone technology for biological pest control is only the latest chapter in its long history of innovation. The estate has been a pioneering force in South African viticulture for over three centuries. Its modern era of transformation began in 1992, under the ownership of Baron Eric de Rothschild, owner of the renowned Château Lafite in Bordeaux. Rothschild spearheaded the construction of a state-of-the-art underground winery atop a hill, setting new standards for wine production in the region.

In 2019, the estate's historical and cultural significance was formally recognized when it was declared a Provincial Heritage Site in the Western Cape. This designation is a testament to Vergelegen's enduring impact on South African wine culture and its role in the broader historical narrative of the region.

Located just 3 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean, Vergelegen benefits from a unique microclimate and terroir that have contributed to its reputation for producing exceptional wines. The estate boasts a diverse range of vineyards, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Sémillon. This diversity, coupled with the cooling influence of the nearby ocean, creates ideal conditions for viticulture, allowing the estate to produce wines with distinct character and complexity.

Vergelegen Wine Estate's integration of drones and predatory wasps into their vineyard management system is a testament to the estate's commitment to innovation and sustainability. By harnessing the power of nature through advanced technology, Vergelegen is not only preserving the health of its vineyards but also contributing to the broader movement towards environmentally responsible viticulture. As the estate continues to blend tradition with modernity, it remains at the forefront of the South African wine industry, setting an example for wineries around the world.