Raising the quality of Hunter Valley and Mudgee wine grapes
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Wine grape producers in the Hunter Valley and Mudgee regions have joined other Australian grape growers as world leaders in the adoption of irrigation and nutrition techniques that improve water use efficiency and grape quality.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) aims to enhance this understanding and take the industry to another level during two grower workshops to be run in the Hunter Valley and Mudgee on August 2 and 4.
DPI District Viticulturist Tony Somers said the workshop initiatives would deliver a new round of opportunities to improve efficiency and therefore competitiveness in a global market.
“The best of Australia’s applied research in the field of vine nutrition will be explained in terms that can be immediately applied by growers,” Mr Somers said.
“We have been very fortunate to have leading scientists agree to present these workshops and I would urge all growers to attend.”
He said the workshops would provide a rational basis for vine nutritional management to meet fruit and wine quality targets and give growers vital information on precision water and nutrient management for quality.
“The knowledge generated in these workshops will allow grape growers to manage nutrient supply and status for better grape composition using modern irrigation practices.”
The line-up of speakers includes:
- Michael Treeby from CSIRO Plant Industry explaining nutrition and vine requirements to give participants a sound understanding of the role and function of nutrients in vines.
- Ben Thomas from Schofield Robinson, one of Australia's leading consultants, giving an insight into managing, monitoring and calculating nutrition requirements for vines.
- Jeremy Giddings from NSW Department of Primary Industries and Brian Thompson from PB Ag Consulting explaining the management of nutrient supply and vine nutrient status using modern irrigation practices of fertigation.
- Chris Williams and Louise Chvyl from the South Australian Research and Development Institute presenting a summary of current research into the trace element molybdenum on the quality of Merlot wine grapes including preliminary results for NSW and Australia.
The Hunter Valley workshop will be held on Tuesday, August 2 at the Kurri Kurri TAFE College Conference Centre from 8.00 am to 3.00 pm, while the Mudgee workshop will be held on Thursday, August 4 at the Mudgee Soldiers Club from 7.30 am to 3.30 pm.
Registrations for the Hunter workshop can be made by contacting the Hunter Valley Vineyard Association,
Media contact: Tony Somers, NSW DPI Hunter -
Issued by: Annette Cross, NSW DPI Tamworth,