350 likes | 454 Vues
Learn about the benefits, costs, and outcomes of crop thinning in vineyards to enhance wine quality. Explore shoot thinning and mechanical thinning techniques, financial comparisons, risks, and considerations for implementation.
E N D
Crop ThinningCost Effective Methods to Improve Wine QualityJames FreckletonThe Yalumba Wine Company
Background – Why thin? 2004 Vintage Heavy crops Quality problems – late ripening Resource issues-unable to secure labour Opportunity to trial new methods
Advantages Quality Canopy Balance Yield Reduction Cost Disadvantages Spur Position/ Damage Frost/ Poor Set Considerations End target Timing (early/ late) Weather Shoot thinning
Cost? Early thinning cost ($300 - $1,000 per ha) Late thinning cost ($1,000 - $1,300 per ha) Shoot thinning
The Vineyard J Trial H A
It would be nice if Ashley gave us a hand Can’t wait until the baby comes – no more of these bloody trials. Boy this is hard work!!
Implementation – What Did We Do?Machine Set-Up 2 bow rods on either side Highest bow rod set approx 5 - 10cm below the cordon wire Remove buckets and fish plates Set a constant tractor speed of 2.1km/hr
Control (not thinned) 26.9 T / Ha
After The Harvester! Pea size berry
Treatment - 440rpm (16ºC) 11t / ha Reduction 6.6% Shoot Damage
Treatment - 480rpm (16ºC) 19.4t / Ha Reduction 9% Shoot Damage
Treatment - 440rpm (25ºC) 11.5t/ Ha Reduction 3.7% Shoot Damage
Treatment - 480rpm (25ºC) Change Slide 7.4 t / Ha Reduction 3.3% Shoot Damage 7.4 t / Ha Reduction 3.3% Shoot Damage
Treatment - 520rpm (16ºC) 15.5 T / Ha Reduction 15% Shoot Damage
Can You See A Difference? Control 440 rpm 520 rpm 480 rpm
Yield Loss Vs Time This graph indicates that actual % crop-loss at harvest is double that immediately following thinning. This is a result of desiccation of damaged bunches over time.
Current Practices Trial a row first Weather Conditions- warmer is better Timing-pea size Zone of fruit- target one area and hit hard Machine set-up Harvester Properties Beater speeds Beater location (mindful of Trellis system?) Machine speed Variety
Machine Thinning Experiences with Other Varieties and Different Harvester Set-ups
Take Home Messages Final fruit destination Consider as cost effective options Timing of processes Weather Conditions