Incubator Initiative: Which grapevine rootstock performs the best for Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir?

Abstract

Phylloxera infestation is a critical risk faced by the Australian wine industry, and phylloxera-resistant rootstocks provides a viable solution. This project compared 14 different types of rootstocks on the physiological performance of Pinot Noir scion grown in the Mornington Peninsula. Preliminary data in the 2018-19 vintage showed clear differences in the timing of flowering, canopy size and plant nutrients, such as magnesium, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, sulfur, zinc, manganese, copper and boron. As the trial progresses, more insights to support rootstock selection will be found, benefiting the Australian wine industry.

Summary

Phylloxera infestation remains a potential hazard for the Australian wine industry, and this is especially true for the Victorian wine regions located in the Phylloxera Risk Zone in close proximity to the phylloxera-infected zone. Adaptation of rootstocks in wine regions such as the Mornington Peninsula is critical to prevent the detrimental impacts of phylloxera, and to ensure the sustainability of the viticultural industry. Existing research has demonstrated the importance of rootstocks to scion performance, especially their role in managing abiotic stresses of drought, high salinity and nutrients deficiency. However, the performance of Pinot Noir scion grafted to new rootstocks in specific growing conditions, such as Mornington Peninsula, remains unstudied. This project compared the impact of 14 different types of rootstocks on the physiological performance of Pinot Noir scion in the Mornington Peninsula, to evaluate the performance of these rootstocks for Pinot Noir production. Phenological, physiological and nutritional parameters were measured for the 2018-19 vintage. Preliminary data showed clear differences in the timing of fruit-set, canopy size and plant nutrients, especially for plant magnesium, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, sulfur, zinc, manganese, copper and boron. No clear variations were observed for leaf chlorophyll content and root zone soil moisture. The project is the preliminary stage of a long-term viticulture trial; further investigation is required to validate the data over successive vintages. The present study provides initial data reflecting the impacts of rootstock on grapevine performance. As the trial progresses, more insights to support rootstock selection will be found, and benefit the wider Australian wine industry. This project receives financial support from the Australian Grape and Wine Authority through its Incubator Initiative program (UM1801). This project is a six-way collaboration between Wine Australia, The University of Melbourne, The Australian Wine Research Institute, Mornington Peninsula Vignerons Association, Yalumba Nursery and CSIRO.