Project title
The effect of row direction on the physiological, viticultural and oenological performance of Shiraz/101-14 Mgt
Project leader
Hunter, J J
Institution
ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij
Project description
This is a new project with the aim to determine the physiological, viticultural and oenological effects of row direction, to make recommendations regarding the direction of planting for winegrapes, and to contribute to the exploitation of winegrape cultivars and improvement of cost efficiency.
The project will be carried out at the Robertson experiment farm of Infruitec-Nietvoorbij. Vines will be planted in four directions, namely North-South, East-West, North-East-South-West, and North-West-South-East. They will be spaced 1.8 x 2.7 m and vertically trained. Physiological, viticultural and enological data will be collected. Vines will be monitored from year (season) three to five (2003 - 2006), after which the project will be suspended with minimum maintenance. Monitoring will resume in year nine and continue until year 12 (2009 - 2012). Results will be evaluated after the initial monitoring period in order to determine the suitability thereof for the set-up of a universal model regarding the choice of row direction. Recommended viticultural practices will be followed with vine development, fertilisation, and cover crop and disease management, whereas canopy management will be done in such a way that uniform, optimal canopies are obtained. Soil preparation for the planting of the experiment in August and September is done, whereas poles, wire, irrigation material and plant material are purchased.
World-wide little is known about the effect of row direction on vine performance. The choice of a row direction is a critical long-term decision, which has a determining effect on cost efficiency and eventual wine quality. This project will quantify the effect of row direction on physiological, viticultural and enological performance under South African conditions and in this way contribute to an optimal planting strategy and top quality production.
Presentation(s)
1. Novello, V and Hunter, J J. 2004. Canopy photosynthetic activity and water relations of Syrah/R99 as affected by row orientation on a particular terroir. Joint International Conference on Viticultural Zoning, 15-19 November, Cape Town, South Africa.
2. Hunter, J J. 2007. Effect of row direction on the physiological, viticultural and enological performance of Shiraz/101-14Mgt. Winetech Seminar. September.
3. Hunter, J J. 2007. Effect of row direction on the physiological, viticultural and enological performance of Shiraz/101-14Mgt. Stellenbosch Producers Study Group Seminar. November.
4. Hunter, J J and Voschenk, C G. 2008. Implications of grapevine row orientation in South Africa. 7th International Terroir Congress, 19-23 May 2008, Switzerland.
Novello, V, Hunter, J J. 2005. Canopy photosynthetic activity and water relations of Syrah/R99 as affected by row orientation on a particular terroir. IN: Proceedings of the Joint International Congress of the South African Society for Enology and Viticutlure, OIV and GESCO on Viticultural Zoning, 15-19 November 2004, Cape Town, South Africa. p. 452-459
Chapter
Hunnter, J J, Volschenk, C G. 2008. Implications of grapevine row orientation in South Africa. IN: Proceedings of the 7th International Terroir Congress. 19-23 May 2008. Switzerland. p. 336-342
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