Region in focus: Riverland

In recent years, research and extension work in the Riverland has primarily been about adaptation – taking existing technologies and testing them under local conditions.

Now the focus is shifting slightly, to put more emphasis on tackling some of the major challenges facing the sector in the region.

‘After quite some discussion by various committees within Riverland Wine, it was agreed that we needed to take a collaborative approach to addressing the big challenges,’ said CEO Chris Byrne.

‘The first step will be to run a series of interactive workshops, open to all sector members, to identify and agree on possible solutions. Working groups will then be put in place to pursue these identified solutions.’

Three projects have been selected for progression this financial year:

• Ensuring Maintenance of Yield and Quality: Making Informed Water Use Decisions in a difficult water market;
• Using Technology to Improve Grape Quality & Vineyard Performance & Sustainability – precision viticulture
• New Market Opportunities: Alternative Varieties & Organic Production Techniques.

However, adaptation work will not be forgotten, with a number of major projects ongoing.

Work is continuing on an extensive trial of new grapevine clones being carried out by Riverland Wine, the Riverland Wine Improvement Committee and Yalumba. In all, 57 clones of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot have been selected.

‘The idea of trialling the clones is to identify either better performers, in terms of yields or quality, or clones which have specific marketing advantages,’ Mr Byrne said. ‘So far, some very interesting characteristics have been found, which makes us pretty confident that we will be successful. This will be very important information to consider when growers are looking to replant in the future.’

A similar project involving the same partners is comparing 11 different rootstocks on Shiraz and Chardonnay.

Another recent innovation is three computer-based tools dealing with grapevine nutrition planning, fungicide programming and herbicide planning. Designed by Andrew Weeks and now being tested and refined by Tony Meissner, they will be available from the Riverland Wine website over the next few months.

Also appearing online are fact sheets outlining the findings of recent projects. Currently being written up are research on Gazania control, the use of ‘sunscreens’ on vines and organic grape production.