Thursday, 24 February, 2022
Winetech
Recently, Winetech launched a flagship ‘Water Efficiency’ research program. The objective of this flagship program was to identify and fund research that addresses gaps in our knowledge of water use efficiency and irrigation in the context of grapevine management.
This program aims to establish a theoretical framework, a scientific network, and research to provide new information and ultimately practical advice with regards to the minimum water requirement, for economically viable wine production in a changing environment. The high level drivers/goals would be to ensure sustainable, profitable and quality products in the context of the potential impacts of climate change. This flagship program consists of three components, each an individual research project, but ultimately all the projects are connected.
 |
 |
Producers and winemakers attending the Vredendal field day
|
Producers and winemakers attending the Stellenbosch field day
|
One of the components of the Winetech Flagship Water Research programme is demonstration blocks at different commercial vineyard sites to showcase the vineyard level responses when water is limited to below industry norms. The trials are conducted in three different growing regions namely Stellenbosch, Breedekloof and Vredendal. At each site, vineyards are irrigated according to industry norms, then two additional treatments at different plant stress levels are applied.
Field demonstration days were recently held in each region where attendees could physically look at the results of the different treatments and the effect of each treatment on the vines. These practical field days are important to Winetech as it allows for interaction and exchange of knowledge between industry members and researchers.
Visit www.winetech.co.za for more information or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.