Top early season tips
We’re into August, so it’s time to be thinking about the important vineyard activities for late winter and early spring. Following are the ‘top tips’ from Viticulture Scientist Dr Paul Petrie, who holds a joint position between the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) and The Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI).
1. Check your soil moisture profile
Most of the Australian winegrowing regions have received good winter rainfall to date; however, it is always good practice to monitor soil water levels at the start of spring to ensure there is sufficient moisture available.
2. Plan your spray program
Whether you intend to use a similar spray program to last year or to undertake a complete revision, now is the time to plan your spray program and to order the chemicals if you are buying in bulk. Remember to check your wine company’s spray guidelines or the AWRI ‘dog book’ to make sure all required withholding periods will be met.
3. Prepare for frost.
If frost is a potential issue for your site, now is the time to make preparations to minimise the risk. Slash to reduce ground cover and check sprinkler and fan-based frost control systems to ensure they are all in good working order.
4. Apply dormant season and budburst pesticides
If you have had problems with grapevine scale or mites in the previous season, pesticide applications prior or during budburst are one of the best opportunities for control. Paraffinic or petroleum oils are applied during dormancy to manage scale and sulfur products are applied as close as possible to budburst to help control most types of mites
5. Order vines for planting in spring 2017
If you are planning a vineyard redevelopment, start your planning now. New vines propagated to your requirements need to be ordered 18 months ahead.
6. Apply mulch
If you are intending to apply mulch, now is the time to do it – before the canopy grows so large that access becomes an issue and to maximise the potential of the mulch to invigorate vine growth.
7. Check your spray cart
You have a busy season ahead and the pre-budburst period presents a good opportunity to give your spray cart a good check for corrosion and wear and ensure the nozzle output is still within specifications.
8. Leach salt from the soil profile
The most efficient time to leach salt from the profile is when it is already full with water from winter rainfall. If you have had problems with salt damage in previous seasons, now is a good opportunity to check the salt concentration in your profile and apply a leaching irrigation if necessary.
9. Flush your irrigation system
Depending on your region you will start irrigating or applying fertigation in the next few months. The quieter period before you get busy with spraying and slashing offers a good opportunity to flush the irrigation lines and do some preventative maintenance.