DPIRD delivers pruning and disease workshop to Perth Hills
Earlier this month DPIRD research scientists Richard Fennessy and Dr Andrew Taylor presented a workshop to 20 Perth Hills' vignerons on pruning techniques and powdery mildew management.
The first part of the workshop focused on pruning, featuring the foundations of the two most common forms of pruning ‘cane’ and ‘spur’. The 2 methods were compared in terms of evenness of vegetative growth, fruitfulness, productivity, cost and training requirements.
In addition to the conventional practices of these pruning methods, the principles of respecting vine sap flow and accounting for natural wound responds were discussed and how these can be incorporated into pruning decision-making.
The presentation was concluded by noting how vine longevity can be supported by ensuring appropriate wound care at pruning, providing good disease management over the growing season so to support healthy and resilient grapevines.
Dr Andrew Taylor provided the group with insights into the most prevalent fungal disease in viticulture in WA, powdery mildew. The presentation featured an explanation into the asexual and sexual life cycle of the disease under WA conditions.
Further information included details of optimal growing conditions of the fungus, vineyard management strategies and issues associated with fungicide resistance.
The workshop concluded with a walk through the estate’s vineyard to demonstrate some of the learnings covered in the presentations.
The presenters would like to thank the Perth Hills Vignerons Association for the invitation to present and The Packing Shed @ LawnBrook for hosting the event.