Improved frost management in the Goulburn/Yarra Valleys and Strathbogie Ranges

Abstract

Spring frosts in October 2006 devastated many vineyards in the South-East states of Australia. The resulting loss of fruit was estimated to be worth A$ 140m. Following the frost growers had to make decisions on the best methods to manage vines.

Summary

Damage thresholds and recovery responses of grapevines to frost are not well understood for the range of economically important Australian cultivars. The interaction between the timing of frost in relation to vine development, the severity of the frost and individual cultivar responses are important variables which have not been thoroughly investigated in Australia. Here we review the literature to gain an understanding of wine grape management after a spring frost.

Two workshops were organised in conjunction with DPI Victoria Grapecheque) and held in the Yarra Valley (11th June) and Goulburn Valley (12th June). These workshops covered frost prediction, prevention and post frost management, along with a presentation on the biology of frost. Presenters included David Morrison (Bureau of Meteorology), Dr Michael Trought (Marlborough Research Centre), Ms Sonja Needs (Melbourne University) and Dr Tom Hill (University or Melbourne / University of East London). These workshops were well attended, with over 50 in Yarra Valley and over 40 participants at Nagambie. The Yarra Valley workshop was recorded and uploaded to the DPI Victoria website and linked to the Wine Australia website and workshop DVDs circulated nationally.