the 2017/18 CropWatch season is beginning. These are the approximate locations for Langhorne Creek & McLaren Vale, with the BOM & NRM weather locations for Kuitpo, Currency Creek and Noarlunga.
Rust Mite Spray Timings /
Rust Mite levels were seen to be significant in some vineyards last season. Rust mite are microscopic mites that enter into grapevine buds during early spring and affect the growth of early season shoots.
The significant level of Rust Mite’s last spring has made us re-think our recommendation regarding Rust Mite control. It is likely that a high percentage of vineyards monitored last season will benefit from a controlling sulphur spray.
We have been advising our clients regarding whether they should apply a controlling sulphur spray, or not for this season. If you would like specific advise please contact DJ’s.
Recommendations for prevention of Rust Mite symptoms are:
When Rust Mite symptoms in spring are stunted & uneven shoot growth.
• Application of wettable sulphur @ 500g/100lt (include non ionic wetter at label rate if not adding oil).
• Water rates of 600 – 900 lt of water per hectare - do not use less than 500 lt/ha - increased water rate should be used if worried about coverage.
• Make sure coverage of the cordon and all spur wood is thorough.
• Inclusion of Canola oil or Mineral oil at 2% (2lt per 100 lt) may improve control (10-15%) but should only be applied if the variety being sprayed is fully dormant (eg. Cabernet). Need to be aware that some Canola oils may contain GMO’s.
• A period of 2-3 fine days and 15 degrees C or higher on the day of spraying is ideal.
• Chardonnay is the indicator variety for timing of spraying in each region. Spraying should be done on all varieties when Chardonnay reaches 10% green tip (ie most buds woolly bud). Look for services like McLaren Vale CropWatch to advise of this timing.
McLaren Vale - Valley Floor.
Our feelings are that spraying should occur from the last week of August to the end of the second week of September on all varieties/blocks that require rust mite treatment.
Currency Creek & Langhorne Creek.
Spraying should occur from the last week of August to the end of the second week of September on all varieties/blocks that require rust mite treatment.
Blewitt Springs & Clarendon.
Spraying should occur from the first week of September to the end of the third week of September on all varieties/blocks that require rust mite treatment.
Adelaide Hills.
Mid-September through to the end of September. To get ideal timing find a block of Chardonnay in within your mesoclimate for exact timing.
Rust Mite symptoms in spring, cv. Cabernet Sauvignon, Blewitt Springs McLaren Vale GI.
Bud Dissection Q&A /
Hi,
I am curious about looking at grapevine buds under the microscope. Could you also please let me know how many buds you can dissect in an hour, as I have a uni project to do on yield analysis and the number would be of assistance.
Many thanks, Andrew
Bud Dissection. |
We would average two to three buds a minute, therefore it takes us between one and one and half hours to complete a vineyard (30x; 5x bud canes). We would generally limit ourselves to three vineyards per day to keep our eyes fresh.
Low bud fruitfulness and high primary bud necrosis is linked to vigourous vineyards.
Internal bud structure. |
We perform dissections to look for low fruitfulness and assess the level of primary bud necrosis.
It is when you find blocks like these bud dissections come into their own as a vineyard tool.
"Vineyards with high levels of lateral shoot growth can show low levels of fruitfulness. Primary bud necrosis is often common in vigorous vines and this is contributing to low fruitfulness. If you can catch this before pruning you can take action to prevent correspondingly low yields at harvest."
Assessing Vineyard Canopies /
James Hook shows Assessment of Vineyard Performance cv. Shiraz to predict grape quality.
Vintage 2017 Summary /
2017 Vintage seasonal summary with James Hook.
Vineyard Update: Grapevine fungal diseases in 2016/17 /
James Hook on fungal disease identification. Vintage 2017.
Downy Mildew explained in less than 5 minutes. /
James Hook explains a Downy Mildew Primary Event 10:10:24 event in laypersons terms.
Grenache Renovation Project. /
Ask James or Derek for more information about old vineyard regeneration.