Vineyard (43)
The Organic Focus Vineyard Project is a three-year project monitoring vineyards in three wine regions in New Zealand as they convert from conventional to certified organic vineyard management. The project has two major aims: to demonstrate the practices and management decisions associated with organic growing; and to monitor and compare the outcomes of organic and conventional growing regimes across a number of variables, including pest and disease levels, harvest results (yield and ripening), soil health, plant nutrition, and financial costs.
Botrytis is the major bunch rot affecting winegrapes in New Zealand.
Botrytis fungicide residues are persistent and detectable in wines.
Controlling Botrytis requires an integrated approach involving vigour control, canopy management, fungicide application and reduction in Botrytis inoculum.
Mealybugs infected with Grapevine Leafroll-associated Virus 3 (GLRaV-3) can be blown into vineyards or enter on people, vehicles and machinery.
Hygiene measures should be incorporated into day-to-day management of the vineyard to prevent the introduction of virus and its spread.
There are four main components of hygiene: (1) start work in clean areas, (2) restrict vineyard access, (3) establish sanitation guidelines, and (4) follow disinfestation procedures for people and machinery before they enter the vineyard.
The Falcons for Grapes project was originally funded by SFF and NZ Winegrowers with joint objectives of conservation and of establishing falcons in vineyards where they would provide some bird control.
In conjunction with the Falcons for Grapes project, Sustainable Farmign Fund (SFF) funded the development of a robust method for surveying bird damage to grapes, (L05-036) followed by funding for a 3 year survey of grapes where falcons were established (L06-061).
This is the final report from that 3 year project.
Key
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