2000-2001 Review
Sunraysia Horticultural CENTRE Department of Natural Resources & Environment Agriculture Victoria - Mildura Agriculture Victoria - Mildura Sunraysia Horticultural Centre 2000-2001 Review
Agriculture Victoria - Mildura Sunraysia Horticultural Centre PO Box 905 Mildura, Victoria 3002 Australia
Cnr Koorlong Avenue and Eleventh Street, Irymple, Victoria, 3498, Australia
Telephone: 61 3 5051 4500 Facsimile: 61 3 5051 4523 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.nre.vic.gov.au
ISBN 07311 5136 4
Compiled by Lyn Jacka
© The State of Victoria, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, 2001.
The contents of this document are copyright and reproduction of any part of it, in whatever form should be acknowledged. Extracts may be used for the bona fide purpose of scientific study.
Disclaimer This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Sunraysia Horticultural CENTRE Department of Natural Resources & Environment Agriculture Victoria - Mildura Contents
2 Agriculture Victoria - First Choice For Creative Advantage 3 Foreword 4 Vision and Mission 5 Institute Director’s Report 7 Financial Allocations and Staff Numbers 8 Crop Quality Section 20 Crop Production 30 Riverlink 31 Commercial Projects 32 Regional Wine Grape Crush Survey 2001 33 Research and Development Farm 34 Staff List 35 Publications List 39 Glossary
Sunraysia Horticultural C E N T R E Department of Natural Resources & Environment Agriculture Victoria - Mildura
1 Agriculture Victoria - First Choice For Creative Advantage
Agriculture Victoria (AV) operates within the Victorian Department of Natural Resources and Environment providing research and development services for agriculture and natural resource management. AV comprises more than 1000 staff located at 12 research and development institutes across 17 regional centres throughout Victoria. Recognised as a preferred research and development organisation throughout Australia, AV delivers creative and practical scientific solutions for the benefit of industry, government and the community.
Scientific capability Achieving economic, social and environmental benefits Agriculture Victoria has more than 450 scientists with a reputation for quality and integrity. Our Agriculture Victoria strives for research and numerous prestigious awards for scientific development solutions that are economically and innovation and delivery of results reflect science environmentally sustainable and socially desirable. that is credible, independent, innovative and We successfully work with major Australian specifically targeted at meeting the needs of industries including dairy, grain, horticulture, our customers. meat, wool and the specialised and emerging rural industry sector. AV undertakes research and development for the public and private sectors utilising a diverse We assist government, industry and the range of skill areas, including: community to: • Plant and animal breeding; • Improve international competitiveness and export value; • Disease diagnosis & protection; • Ensure the reliable supply of safe, high-quality • Integrated farming systems; products, that meet the needs of all elements • Natural resource management; of the supply chain; • Animal nutrition, health and welfare; • Improve profitability, productivity and sustainability; • Food safety; • Diversify and develop new industries and • Chemical and biological analysis; products; and • Gene discovery; and • Ensure the protection of the natural • Plant and animal production. environment.
Scientific foresight and creative Commercialisation partnerships As a research and development organisation Agriculture Victoria’s strategic and applied science generating new knowledge and technologies, services are always focused and at the leading Agriculture Victoria has its commercial arm, edge to provide industry with a competitive Agriculture Victoria Services P/L (AVS), to protect advantage and the community with long-term and commercialise intellectual property. Our benefits. We work closely with other R&D approach includes contract research, fee-for-service organisations worldwide, including universities, and product commercialisation. AVS delivers results government agencies and private companies. in areas with significant commercial potential and with tangible consumer and producer benefits.
2 Foreword
NRE’s research institutes are a vital part of our science capability, and each has a proud record of achievement in their field of expertise. This report outlines the achievements of the Sunraysia Horticultural Centre 2000-2001. This report is not only an important record of achievement, but demonstrates the value of NRE’s work to our stakeholders and outlines the important contribution that NRE makes to the Victorian Chloe Munro, community. Secretary
Chloe Munro The Department of Natural Resources and Secretary Environment (NRE) is committed to implementing the Government’s priority of ‘Growing Victoria Together’. NRE is achieving this by developing new ideas and technologies that aim to improve the productivity and sustainability of natural resource based industries. NRE believes that sciences and the application of new technologies are fundamentally important to the long-term prosperity of rural, regional and urban communities. NRE will continue to develop new technologies for industry growth, whilst also ensuring that these technologies make a positive contribution to the health of the environment and to social wellbeing. The high quality science delivered by NRE underpins the achievement of these important outcomes through: • our research and development work that provides the latest information to develop relevant and best practice technology for local needs; • the extension services that make the information accessible and ready to use; and • the frameworks that assist in policy development, to name just a few.
Sunraysia Horticultural C E N T R E Department of Natural Resources & Environment Agriculture Victoria - Mildura
3 Vision and Mission
Vision To be recognised as a Research and Development Centre of excellence that effectively partners rural communities to create viable and innovative options for present and future needs
Mission For Agriculture Victoria – Mildura to be a leader in delivering practical solutions through excellent science, efficient resource management and effective services to the irrigated horticultural communities and industries of Victoria.
4 Institute Director’s Report
Agriculture Victoria staff Anthony Smith commenced work on the “Code of Environmental Best Practice for Viticulture” project identifying relevant legislation and requirements. Tony has the unenviable task of highlighting, in layman’s language, areas of environmental and related legislation that may impact on viticulture in both Northern Victoria and the Yarra Valley. Tony studied related areas of environmental policy and resource management while doing his university degree. Dr. Benozir Kazi started working on a dried vine fruit project looking at the role of moulds in Keith Leamon producing mycotoxins in grapes. Kazi is a Institute Director pathologist by trade and has given the Crop Quality section a welcome boost. Christiane Jaeger has been appointed to work on 2000-01 has been a rewarding year for Agriculture the “Organic Project”. Christiane has a practical Victoria – Mildura. The year has seen the planning horticulture background and has worked at the and hard work by staff and the Board of Centre previously on a casual basis. Christiane Management start to bear fruit. Of particular note has become a welcome addition to the team. is the commencement of the building program that Christina Porteous has joined the “Code of will accommodate Regional NRE staff and provide Environmental Best Practice for Viticulture” project new AV laboratories and a glasshouse. Regional working in the team to document and validate staff from the Mildura office have combined with practices that will reduce viticulture’s impact on Sunraysia Horticultural Centre staff to finalise the the environment. detailed design planning. Fiona Murdoch joined AV – Mildura as a Project A highlight of the year was the WorkSafe Victoria Officer mid way through the year. Fiona’s role is award to Sunraysia Horticultural Centre for to manage the administration of projects across “Workplace Health and Safety Committee of the AV – Mildura. The position was created in response Year”. The award was presented to four SHC to a need to ensure consistency in the development representatives at a gala function held in and delivery of projects as well as reducing the Melbourne in June. The award is independent administrative load on project leaders. Fiona has recognition of the work put into the Centre’s also played a significant role in assisting with the workplace health and safety system by both the administration of the Grapes Key Project. OH&S Committee and staff. Glenda Kelly, Lisa Mitchell, Narelle Nancarrow and AV – Mildura has been successful at retaining its Linda Pollock have all joined the technical support ISO 9002 Quality System certification after the team over the past 12 months. This invaluable three yearly major audit of its processes and group provide the kind of support that makes procedures. The two day audit identified strengths things happen for our important research and as well as some opportunities for improvement. development projects. These opportunities will be followed up in the A number of staff have been upgraded to fixed term 2001-02 business plan. status including, Colin Bennett, David Coombes, Michelle Kelly, Nicole Martin, Timothy Millen and Adam Wightwick. The change in status will give staff more security in their employment.
Sunraysia Horticultural C E N T R E Department of Natural Resources & Environment Agriculture Victoria - Mildura
5 Jennifer Dale has joined the Riverlink team to “Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points” with provide part time support to the Riverlink an industry based 2nd party auditing program. Communication and Development Officer. Jennifer The Dried Grape industry believe that it is the most has a background in the education system and is cost effective approach and should give them a providing a valuable contribution to the Riverlink competitive edge in the marketplace. The Approved effort. Supplier Program complements an industry wide chemical residue testing program to form a solid Sue McConnell has been appointed Section Leader foundation for assuring customers of the “clean” of the Crop Quality Section. The Crop Quality group status of dried grapes. is quite large with the Section Leader position carrying a major responsibility for overseeing the work of the group. Chief Scientists Both Cathy Taylor and Leann Beanland have Staff have found visits by the Chief Scientists over achieved re-classifications through the year the year stimulating and rewarding. Visits by because of increased responsibilities. These Graham Mitchell and John Stocker enabled staff to re-classifications recognise the added contribution discuss topical science issues as well as show off being made by both staff. project work at the Centre. The Chief Scientists have assisted AV – Mildura achieve a PCR capability, The administration group continues to provide an thus broadening the range of research techniques excellent service to staff on the site. This is available on site. despite the building project, which has added an extra level of responsibility and demand on the team. At the same time they have managed an Collaboration 8% reduction in overheads and support costs per Riverlink continues to be the main framework for fte., an admirable effort. collaboration across the region involving CSIRO, Five staff from AV - Mildura are taking part in the South Australian Research and Development Frontline Management Initiative (FMI) pilot program Institute and NSW Agriculture with AV - Mildura in being run for the Mallee area. a range of research and development projects. Riverlink is also forming a collaboration with LaTrobe Outputs University in a Post Graduate Research Network project. The project aims to increase the number of AV - Mildura commenced five new projects this post graduate traineeships in the region. Currently financial year. Three of the projects are with the AV – Mildura is involved in 13 collaborative projects Dried Fruits Research and Development Council, with Riverlink agencies. one with Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation and one is funded through Thanks the Naturally Victorian initiative. We also entered into an additional eight projects on a collaborative I would personally like to thank the staff at basis. Three of these are with Riverlink agencies. Sunraysia Horticultural Centre for their support and cooperation over this last 12 months. I believe that The AV team has produced sixty-six publications, we have a more productive, enjoyable and safer presented one hundred and eight events, and workplace due to their efforts. On behalf of responded to six hundred and thirteen enquires AV – Mildura I would also like to thank our clients on a range of topics, predominantly pest and and stakeholders for their continued involvement disease management. Enquires were up 11% and support. over last financial year. A major launch was held through the year of the Dried Grape Industry Approved Supplier program. Keith Leamon The program, developed by AV – Mildura in Institute Director conjunction with the Dried Fruits Research and Development Council, is a first of its kind incorporating a food safety system based on
6 Financial Allocations
State Vote State Vote $1,307,545 Growing Horizons Initiative $ 402,433 Naturally Victorian Initiative $ 376,062 Agriculture and Food Initiative $ 164,564 Total $2,250,604
Works and Services Plant and Equipment $ 40,000 Minor Works $ 80,000 Total $ 120,000
Rural Industry Research Funds Dried Fruits RDC $ 229,092 Grape and Wine RDC $ 381,521 Horticultural RDC $ 179,098 Total $ 789,711
Project Trust Accounts Miscellaneous Industry $ 146,284 Commercial $ 421,411 Farm Trading $ 108,832 Total $ 676,527 Total 2000/2001 $3,836,842
Staff numbers Scientific 23 Technical 9 Administration and support 12 Farm 9
Administration Staff. L-R: Simone Crothers, Narelle Swaeney, Denise Clark, John Fraser, Kevin Rogers (Manager), Jason Bruhn, Kathy Sudholz, Lyn McMahon (Librarian)
Sunraysia Horticultural C E N T R E Department of Natural Resources & Environment Agriculture Victoria - Mildura
7 Crop Quality Section
The Crop Quality section at Agriculture Victoria – Mildura consists of seventeen scientific and technical staff. The group works across a range of projects including pest and disease research and management, quality assurance and food safety, spray application, sustainable organic production and environmental best practices. The projects cover a range of crops including grapevines, citrus, pistachios and some vegetable crops. Projects are funded through Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Dried Fruits Research and Development Council, Horticulture Australia Limited (formerly Horticultural Research and Crop Quality Section staff. L-R: Adam Wightwick, Development Corporation), Grape and Wine David Madge, Deidre Jaensch, Tony Smith, Sue McConnell Research and Development Corporation, (Section Leader), Lisa Mitchell, Dr. Benozir Kazi, Linda Pollock, Dr. Bob Emmett, Fiona Murdoch, Co-operative Research Centre for Viticulture and Narelle Nancarrow. Front Row: Dr. LeAnn Beanland, commercial contracts. Alison MacGregor, Christiane Jaeger, Cathy Taylor. Major achievements from the section during Absent: Kathy Clarke, Michelle Kelly, Christina Porteous, Shelley Rozario 2000/2001 included the launch of the Dried Grape Industry Approved Supplier Program training package; presentations from scientific staff at the Australian Entomological Societies 31st AGM and Developing Management Strategies Scientific conference in Darwin, the Entomological for Australian Grapevine Yellows Society in Montreal, Canada and the Department Australian Grapevine Yellows (AGY) is a disease of Plant Pathology at the University of California. associated with a phytoplasma that produces Poster presentations were also made at several symptoms in affected grapevines of backward other conferences. Staff in the section ran a very successful Pest and Disease Field Day at the rolling, overlapping and yellowing of leaves. Sunraysia Horticultural Centre and made significant Developing grape bunches on affected shoots may contributions to the development and presentation abort and these shoots may die later in the season. of Research to PracticeTM training workshops. Phytoplasmas are typically transmitted to healthy plants by phloem-feeding insects, such as The Crop Quality Section had visiting scientists from leafhoppers, planthoppers and psyllids. USA & New Zealand. Dr R. Emmett participated in Consequently, surveys of phloem-feeding insects the Novartis Agribusiness Forum in South Africa and have been made in and around affected vineyards a Vinelink Workgroup Meeting in France to facilitate to identify possible vectors. Captured insects are the international coordination of grape disease tested by PCR analysis to determine their research. Cathy Taylor organised a pistachio tour phytoplasma-infection status. None of the insects of the USA, and LeAnn Beanland attended the that have been tested have been infected with Entomological Society in Montreal, Canada and phytoplasma. presented her work on Australian grapevine yellows. Transmission experiments have been initiated to During 2000/2001 the section worked on fourteen identify insects that are able to acquire and projects, which are outlined further in this report. transmit the AGY phytoplasma. We have not Staff in the section also produced 25 publications identified the vector of AGY phytoplasma but we including 12 industry articles, six conference have demonstrated that Orosius argentatus, a papers/posters, four research reports, and three leafhopper, can acquire Tomato Big Bud books. phytoplasma from infected grapevines and transmit the pathogen to test plants, such as faba beans. Sue McConnell This finding provides evidence that grapevines can Leader Crop Quality Section serve as a reservoir of phytoplasmas.
8 We can determine when phytoplasma vectors are Pistachio Canker Epidemiology actively inoculating plants by associating the presence of phytoplasma in ‘bait’ plants with the Pistachio canker is a serious disease of pistachio trees that causes affected trees to decline and period these plants were exposed in the field. eventually die. Symptoms of pistachio canker Beginning in spring, 12 individual batches of include copious production of resinous exudate, several plant species were placed near an AGY large necrotic lesions on the trunk and primary infected vineyard for consecutive two-week periods. branches, internal staining of the vascular tissue Each batch of bait plants were brought back to the and dieback of twigs and limbs. Symptoms have laboratory and observed for expression of disease been observed in orchards across the Murray Valley. symptoms. Infection of symptomatic plants is confirmed by PCR analysis. Phytoplasma has been The project ‘Pistachio Canker Epidemiology’ was detected, but not yet characterised, in some of the initiated in 2000 to study the epidemiology of symptomatic bait plants that have been tested. pistachio canker and builds on the findings of an earlier project entitled ‘Managing canker and We have employed a variety of plant propagation dieback in pistachios’. The current project team techniques to grapevines infected with the AGY includes scientists from Sunraysia Horticultural phytoplasma for use in transmission studies. Centre and University of Adelaide. These techniques include propagation of A series of pathogen isolations was undertaken to symptomatic green cuttings, propagation of dormant identify the organisms associated with pistachio symptomatic cuttings and tissue culture of buds canker. The protocols developed in this project to from infected shoots. To date, no phytoplasma has isolate bacteria from pistachio trees have been been detected by PCR analysis in symptomatic documented. Xanthomonas bacteria was the only shoots from propagated material. pathogen consistently isolated from symptomatic tissue. Trees in different stages of disease Staff: Dr LeAnn Beanland , Linda Pollock, progression were felled to determine the location Graeme Fletcher of the bacteria in affected pistachio trees. Funding: Department of Natural Resources and Xanthomonas was detected in necrotic leaves Environment, Grape and Wine Research and both stained and unstained scion sapwood. Inoculation trials have been initiated to identify and Development Corporation. possible sites where bacteria can enter and infect tree tissue. We have collected mapping data of the distribution of symptomatic trees to be analysed for patterns of disease spread. Analysis of chemical control assessments, made during the previous project, will be completed in the next year. Knowledge gained through this project will be used to develop strategies to control pistachio dieback.
Staff: Cathy Taylor, Narelle Nancarrow, Dr Bob Emmett. Funding: Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Horticulture Australia Ltd, Pistachio Grower’s Association Inc. Batch of bait plants near AGY affected vineyard Collaborators: Dr Evelina Facelli, Dr Margaret Sedgley, Dr Eileen Scott, University of Adelaide.
Sunraysia Horticultural C E N T R E Department of Natural Resources & Environment Agriculture Victoria - Mildura
9 Increasing the Adoption of Staff: Sue McConnell (Project leader), Environmental Best Practice Adam Wightwick, Tony Smith, David Madge, Chris Porteous, Increasing the Adoption of Environmental Best Keith Leamon Practice is a 3-year Naturally Victorian project which commenced in 2000/01. The project objectives Funding: Department of Natural Resources are to: and Environment, Naturally Victorian • Identify, develop, document and validate Collaborators: Dr Rob Sward, Jane Fisher best environmental practices for viticulture (Agriculture Victoria - Knoxfield), in North West (NW) Victoria and the Yarra Murray McIntyre (CAS, Port Phillip Valley. Region) • Measure the environmental performance of the viticultural industries at the production level. • Package and present this information for industry, consumers and the general public (hard copy and Internet based versions). • Prepare and deliver a training module on best environmental management practices to the viticultural industry in Victoria. • Determine and document the research priorities necessary to fill gaps in best environmental management practices in the regions.
During 2000/01, the project team developed a draft of a Code of Environmental Best Practice for Viticulture. Each section of the code will be reviewed and validated by research scientists and an industry focus group. An industry focus group has been formed in Sunraysia. It consists of wine, dried and table grape growers as well as a representative from the Mallee CMA. The focus group meets monthly and reviews and validates a section of the Code at each meeting. The Code of Environmental Best Practice will also include a section for each practice on the legal requirements related to viticulture and the environment. A member of the project team, Tony Smith is researching and interpreting the legislation to be incorporated into the code.
10 Management of mycotoxin producing A survey of six vineyards in Sunraysia indicated moulds in vineyards that A. carbonarius is the most prevalent of the black Aspergillus spp. Incidence of A. carbonarius Mould contamination can reduce the yield and was highest in soil and dried berries, while quality of dried grapes. Moulds usually develop incidence in other materials was very low. Other when rain occurs just before or during harvest and commonly isolated moulds were other black infection mostly occurs through cracks or splits in Aspergillus spp (A. niger and A. aculeatus), berry skins after berries have been damaged by Penicillium spp and Cladosporium spp. Some vine rain. These moulds include black Aspergillus spp. management techniques, such as the use of vine Some of these species (eg. A. carbonarius) covers just before harvest, did not reduce mould produce secondary metabolites known as incidence on fresh and drying grapes. Other mycotoxins which are undesirable contaminants. management options are being evaluated. The growth of moulds and the production of mycotoxins may be influenced by several Staff: Dr Bob Emmett, Dr Benozir Kazi, environmental and other factors, including Kathy Clarke and Narelle Nancarrow temperature, wetness and humidity, and the Funding: Dried Fruits Research and levels of sugar and water in grape tissues during Development Council. growth, harvesting, drying and storage. Collaborators: Dr Ailsa Hocking, Dr John Pitt and The aims of this project are: Su-lin Leong (Food Science Australia, • To study the pre-harvest development of CSIRO, North Ryde), Ross Skinner moulds that produce mycotoxins in dried and Debra Thompson (Australian grapes. Dried Fruit Board, Mildura) • To develop management practices that minimise mould growth on fresh and drying grapes, and mycotoxin contamination in dried grapes.
Pouring agar plates
Sunraysia Horticultural C E N T R E Department of Natural Resources & Environment Agriculture Victoria - Mildura
11 Fungal contaminants and their impact Two vineyards in Sunraysia with different wine grape on wine quality varieties were surveyed to determine the incidence of black Aspergillus moulds (A. carbonarius, A. niger Powdery mildew, Botrytis and other bunch moulds and A. aculeatus). A. carbonarius and A. niger are common fungal diseases of grapes. Currently, were the most prevalent black Aspergillus spp. however, no tools are available to efficiently and The incidence of these species was highest in objectively measure the amount of these soil, while incidence in other vine and vineyard contaminants in grapes and it is difficult to materials was low. Other commonly isolated accurately quantify the effects of disease levels moulds were A. aculeatus, Penicillium spp., and on wine quality. Cladosporium spp. The objectives of this project are to (1) develop The effects on the incidence of moulds of vineyard rapid and simple tests to quantify infection by management techniques (eg. pruning and deficit powdery mildew and Botrytis in grapes, must irrigation systems) which alter bunch architecture and juice, (2) investigate the effects of powdery and density, is being evaluated. mildew on must, juice and wine quality and develop specifications for acceptable levels of Staff: Dr Bob Emmett, Kathy Clarke and contamination, (3) investigate the levels and Narelle Nancarrow factors responsible for the occurrence of other fungal contaminants in grapes, juice and wine, Funding: Department of Natural Resources and (4) develop vineyard management and post and Environment, Co-operative harvest handling strategies that minimise mould Research Centre for Viticulture, growth on grapes and incidence of contamination Grape and Wine Research and in wines. Development Corporation. A powdery mildew specific DNA probe was used Collaborators: Dr Eileen Scott, Dr Belinda Stummer to detect and quantify levels of powdery mildew (University of Adelaide, Urrbrae), in grapes, must, juice and wine. Powdery mildew Dr Leigh Francis, Dr Sally-Jean Bell DNA was detected in samples with visible powdery (Australian Wine Research Institute, mildew disease but was not detected in clarified Glen Osmond), Dr Trevor Wicks juice or wine samples. At the winery weighbridge, (South Australian Research and the probe could provide information on the level Development Institute, Adelaide), of contamination in grape loads and allow wineries Dr Kevin Gale, Dr Vicki Taylor (CSIRO to make more informed decisions about the use Plant Industry, Canberra, ACT), of fruit and must. White and red wines were Dr Peter Varelis, Dr John Pitt, produced from fruit with different levels of powdery Dr Ailsa Hocking, Su-lin Leong mildew infection to assess affects on wine quality. (CSIRO Food Science Australia, North Ryde), Martin Mebalds A polyclonal antibody was developed and used in Agriculture Victoria - Knoxfield). an immunoassay to detect of levels of powdery mildew in blended Chardonnay grapes. In conjunction with other antibodies, the polyclonal antibody will be used to produce a rapid field test for the semi-quantitative detection of powdery mildew infection. Monoclonal antibodies against soluble proteins of Botrytis cinerea have also been produced. Many of these showed good specificity for Botrytis proteins and they were used to differentiate between healthy and Botrytis-infected white grapes.
12 SHC IPM Services 2000/01 Horticulture Hotline. Thirty-six weekly reports on pest and disease status and management strategies for grape and citrus producers were recorded onto telephone ‘Hotlines’ in Mildura and Robinvale during the 2000/01 grape-growing season. Reports were also provided directly to subscribers in Mildura, Robinvale and Swan Hill by fax or email. The reports presented up-to-date information on the status of pests and diseases of grapevines in all three districts, and of citrus in Mildura. Information for the Hotline messages was derived from regular field monitoring, computerised pest and disease development models which use data from a network of vineyard-based weather stations, and long-term local experience with and knowledge of seasonal pest and disease biology. Horticulture Hotline messages also provided reminders of field days, courses and other events of interest. In addition to the weekly messages, disease alert messages were also distributed in response to forecast and actual rain events. On one of these occasions, a front-page article was published in the Sunraysia Daily, alerting growers to the high risk of downy mildew infection. A survey of subscribers has shown that during the season, almost 70% of them altered the timing of A vineyard based weather station some of their pest and disease management practices and close to 50% modified their actual practices, as a direct result of information provided demonstrations, live specimens and photographic by the Hotline. displays were used to help growers and other participants locate and identify pest and disease Grape pest and disease field walks. These annual symptoms and biological control agents. Spray events provide an opportunity for participants to application and distribution through vine canopies view a variety of important grapevine pests and was also demonstrated to highlight the importance diseases early in the season and update their of well set-up machinery to successful disease knowledge and skills in identifying and managing and pest control. these pests and diseases. Walks were held at the Sunraysia Horticultural Centre (91 attendees) and Staff: David Madge, Dr Bob Emmett, Tresco (21 attendees). Corporate producers and Alison MacGregor, Kathy Clarke, horticultural consultants were well represented Michelle Kelly, Christiane Jaeger at the walks. Tour groups were kept small to Funding: Department of Natural Resources and encourage interaction with researchers in the Environment, fee-for-service vineyard. “Hands-on” field monitoring
Sunraysia Horticultural C E N T R E Department of Natural Resources & Environment Agriculture Victoria - Mildura
13 Sustainable Organic Production A complementary study is under way to convert Systems - Horticulture an existing 1.7 ha citrus block at the Sunraysia Horticultural Centre from a conventional to an ‘Sustainable Organic Production Systems’ is a organic production system. The focus on the three year project with the aim of boosting the citrus research block has been on soil quality agriculture industry’s ability to supply and satisfy and alternative weed management and ceasing a growing consumer demand for organic produce. conventional herbicide and fertiliser inputs. It is funded by NRE’s ‘Naturally Victorian Initiative’. The project’s objective is to assist organic growers Staff: David Madge, Christiane Jaeger to improve and expand their production and marketing systems and also to support conventional Funding: Department of Natural Resources and growers who are moving to adopt organic cultivation Environment, Naturally Victorian methods. Research into organic crop management on demonstration sites, extension support for best practice organic production in selected industries and market analyses will help bring about the desired changes in the industry. The horticultural component of the project commenced at the Sunraysia Horticultural Centre in December 2000. A 0.8 ha vacant block is under conversion to a certified organic vegetable production and demonstration site. Activities to date have included soil structure, nutritional and biological analyses, weed management, deep ripping, planning of site border habitats and preparation for installation of a new irrigation system. Concurrently, organic vegetable growers Citrus under permanent mulch for weed control were surveyed to establish the most urgent research and extension needs. As a result of survey findings the initial research will focus on weed management. ‘Agricultural Notes’ on organic production and marketing techniques are being written, based on existing knowledge, and will be updated during the project as new research findings are generated. At this stage the project is in its infancy. Progress and results of weed management trials will be reported at the end of June 2002.
14 Quality Management in Victorian Horticulture This was the fourth and final year of the Quality Management in Victorian Horticulture project. The project has assisted different horticultural industries to develop Quality Assurance (QA) strategies tailored to their needs. The project has also communicated information to growers on the scope and purpose of the different QA systems available. In the last year the project team developed an Approved Supplier Program (ASP) for the Dried Grape Industry. This was completed in conjunction Adam Wightwick and Sue McConnell discussing the Approved Supplier Program manual with the Dried Grape Industry ASP management team (consisting of industry representatives and processor representatives). The project team also developed a Dried Grape Industry ASP training Project team: Sue McConnell, Adam Wightwick package, which included a grower ASP training Funding: Department of Natural Resources manual and a manual for trainers wishing to run and Environment, Agriculture and the training programmes for the growers. Food Initiative, Dried Fruits Research The ASP and training package was launched in and Development Council. October 2000 to the Dried Grape Industry and training providers. Over 100 growers have attended training courses since its launch. To assist in the implementation of the ASP, the project team developed an auditing procedure and auditor training package. The auditor training package will be used to train the processor representatives who will be carrying out the second party audits of the dried grape growers. During 2000/2001 the project team also assisted individual horticultural businesses in implementation, verification and validation of their HACCP or SQF 2000 QA systems. Types of businesses included table grape growing and packing, citrus growing and winery vineyard.
Sunraysia Horticultural C E N T R E Department of Natural Resources & Environment Agriculture Victoria - Mildura
15 Strategic use of sulphur in integrated Strategic use of sulphur in integrated pest and disease management (IPM) pest and disease management (IPM) programs for dried vine fruit production programs for grapevines The objective of this project is to develop and Sulphur has been used for the control of powdery promote strategies for the optimal use of sulphur in mildew and mites for many years. The use of IPM programs for dried vine fruit production. Major sulphur in powdery mildew control programs is components of the project include studies of the important because its multi-site action on the degradation of sulphur (alone and in combination fungus helps to prevent the development of with wetting agents) on vine foliage and the effects resistance to newer fungicides. Many grape of sulphur, with and without wetting agents, on the growers, however, use sulphur indiscriminately development of grapevine powdery mildew and because of its low cost. Potentially this is not mites. Studies in the project are being conducted only inefficient but can result in undesirable in conjunction with those in the project ‘Strategic residues on grapes and in grape products, and use of sulphur in IPM programs for grapevines’. have adverse effects on the activity of biological control agents. Furthermore, in recent years, there In studies of the degradation of sulphur on have also been reports of sulphur spray programs grapevine foliage, levels of sulphur on a weight providing inadequate control of powdery mildew. for weight basis on and in grapevine leaves sprayed with sulphur wettable granules at the The aim of this project is to produce strategies for recommended rate (200g/100L) with or without the optimal use of sulphur in disease and pest a wetting agent increased one day after spraying, management programs for grapevines, especially and then, gradually declined over 28 days to levels those for the control of powdery mildew and mites. found on unsprayed leaves. Simulated rainfall of Monitoring options, timing of sprays, regional 10mm did not affect the rate of sulphur residue differences and resistance management are being degradation. The persistence of sulphur residues considered. The biology and control of bud, blister increased to more than 50 days on leaves sprayed and rust mites is also being studied along with the at three times the recommended rate. In studies effects of sulphur on the efficacy of Trichogramma of the bioefficacy of sulphur deposits, powdery wasps as a biological control agent for lightbrown mildew disease severity (percent area diseased) apple moth (LBAM). on leaves sprayed once with sulphur at the In field studies, sulphur spray programs with two or recommended rate was 33%, fifty three days three dimethylation inhibiting (DMI) fungicide sprays after spray application, while disease severity on applied just before and just after flowering provided unsprayed leaves was 75%. better control of powdery mildew than sulphur spray Spray programs with a series of sprays of sulphur programs without DMI sprays. Powdery mildew with and without two types of wetting agent were control on bunches was improved further by the also evaluated for the control of powdery mildew. application of two strobilurin fungicide sprays after All spray programs provided a similar level of the DMI sprays were applied in sulphur-DMI spray disease control on leaves and bunches. programs. The efficacy of sulphur wettable powders, wettable granules and flowable liquids on grapevine Staff: Dr Bob Emmett, Dr Shelley Rozario, powdery mildew was similar when formulations Christiane Jaeger were applied at the same rate and at the same time in spray programs. In experiments to Funding: Department of Natural Resources determine the effects of temperature and and Environment, Dried Fruits application rate on efficacy of sulphur sprays, Research and Development Council sulphur at the recommended rate provided less Collaborators: Dr Trevor Wicks, Catherine Hitch control of powdery mildew at 15oC than at 20oC (South Australian Research and or 30oC. In most cases, increasing the rate of Development Institute, Adelaide), sulphur application improved powdery mildew Peter Magarey (South Australian control at these temperatures. Research and Development Institute, Loxton)
16 In studies of grapevine mites, molecular markers Staff: Dr Bob Emmett, Dr Shelley Rozario, have been developed to distinguish rust, bud and Christiane Jaeger blister mites. In spring, the migration of rust mites Funding: Department of Natural Resources from vine cordons at the base of canes started at and Environment, Grape and Wine mid to late woolly bud when less than ten percent Research and Development Council. of buds were at the first green tip stage and continued for 40 days. The majority of mites Collaborators: Martina Bernard (Agriculture Victoria - migrated when shoots had one to three separated Knoxfield), Dr Ary Hoffmann, leaves. In early spring, damage by rust mites on Linda Thomson (La Trobe University, new shoots caused severe crinkling of the first four Bundoora), Dr DeAnn Glenn (Grape leaves and at flowering, cluster length and the and Wine Research and Development number of berries per cluster were reduced. Corporation, Kent Town), Dr Trevor Wicks, Catherine Hitch (South Rust mites were controlled by a spray of wettable Australian Research and sulphur and canola oil applied at mid to late woolly Development Institute, Adelaide), bud when maximum daily temperatures reached Peter Magarey (South Australian 15oC. However, the application of wettable sulphur Research and Development sprays at the recommended rate in late summer Institute, Loxton) (early February) and at twice the recommended rate after harvest (mid-April) did not reduce populations of over-wintering rust mites. In experiments on the effects of sulphur on the parasitism of LBAM, sulphur sprays reduced parasitism by resident Trichogramma species (T. carverae and T. funiculatum). The release of Trichogramma parasites six days after the application of sulphur minimised the effects on the released organisms.
Powdery Mildew affected leaf
Sunraysia Horticultural C E N T R E Department of Natural Resources & Environment Agriculture Victoria - Mildura
17 Improving sustainability and wine Staff: Dr Bob Emmett, Dr Mark Krstic grape quality in warm-region irrigated Funding: Department of Natural Resources vineyards and Environment, Co-operative Warm climate viticultural districts (Riverland, Research Centre for Viticulture, Sunraysia and MIA) produce around 65% of Grape and Wine Research and Australian grapes crushed for winemaking. Development Corporation, Dried Future growth of the Australian wine export trade Fruits Research and Development will depend on the improvement of the quality of Council. wine produced in these regions without significantly Collaborators: Rachel Ashley, Peter Clingeleffer increasing chemical inputs or costs. The aim of (CSIRO Plant Industry, Merbein), this project is to develop irrigation and vine Dr Peter Dry (University of Adelaide), management strategies for increasing wine grape Dr Michael McCarthy (South quality and reducing chemical use for disease Australian Research and control in warm climate irrigated vineyards. Development Institute, Nuriootpa), Field studies have been established in a Dr Mary Cole (Monash University, commercial Shiraz vineyard in Sunraysia. Irrigation Frankston), Craig Thornton (Wingara treatments being applied include (1) standard drip Wine Group Ltd, Iraak). irrigation, (2) drip irrigation with regulated deficit irrigation (RDI), (3) surface partial root zone drying (PRD), (4) sub-surface PRD, (5) drip irrigation with RDI plus surface PRD and (6) drip irrigation with RDI plus sub-surface PRD. Vine management treatments superimposed upon these irrigation treatments to provide a range of scenarios in terms of crop load, and canopy and bunch architecture include (1) conventional spur pruning, (2) mechanical hedging, and (3) minimal pruning. The effects of the treatments on vine yield, grape quality and disease development are being determined. In 2000-2001, canopy structure influenced bunch number and architecture. Minimal pruned vines Double drip lines installed on PRD vineyard produced more bunches per vine and the average bunch weight was less than the bunch weight of spur and mechanical pruned vines, particularly under PRD irrigation. Grape maturation and most parameters of wine grape quality were influenced by the irrigation and canopy management treatments. Productivity was significantly affected by the interactions between irrigation and pruning treatments. Minimal pruned vines with control drip irrigation produced the highest yield. In comparison, yield was reduced substantially in spur pruned vines under PRD irrigation. Botrytis and powdery mildew incidence was also monitored through the growing season. Some bunches were inoculated with Botrytis prior to harvest to assess the effects of bunch architecture, irrigation and canopy management on the incidence and severity of the bunch rot disease.
18 How much is enough? A keystone issue Three hundred and thirty Sunraysia growers or to align dried fruit production with the service providers participated in the 30-minute policy and technology of spraying in talks, one or three hour field demonstrations, or the 21st century the 3-day Research to Practice workshop during the 2000/2001 season. Eighty-three industry members Grapevines are often under- or over-dosed with and researchers also participated in the Riverlink chemicals due to a combination of inefficient spray Grape Pest and Disease Review Meeting – Precision equipment, variations in canopy size and shape, Spraying held in August 2000 at the Sunraysia and subjective assessment of spray coverage. Horticultural Centre. A key message Under-dosing may lead to crop losses if diseases from this meeting was that there is a need for a are not controlled adequately, whilst over-dosing greater number of service providers to become may jeopardise food safety or cause environmental proficient in calibrating and configuring spray contamination. machinery in Sunraysia and the Riverland. Trials in the 2000/2001 season tested the three- step ‘Look-Adjust-Increase’ approach to determining Staff: Alison MacGregor, Christiane Jaeger, spray requirements. This technique was also Dr Benozir Kazi presented in Spray Application in Viticulture – Funding: Department of Natural Resources and Research to PracticeTM workshops during the 2000 Environment, Dried Fruits Research and season. ‘Look-Adjust-Increase’ was designed to Development Council. help growers comply with the requirements of the new format for chemical labels, as well as determine the required liquid volume of the appropriate pesticide for the sprayer/canopy combination. Two spraying set-ups were used to treat three canopy types each: a. a standard set-up (equivalent to sprayer configuration, chemical rates and water volumes used last season), and b. an optimised set-up (air delivery, chemical and water setting altered each fortnight to match the canopy). The performance of each spray set-up was compared by measuring disease control, actual dose delivered, and evenness of coverage. Water sensitive paper sprayed with a lethal dose of chemical was used to illustrate to growers the difference between the actual dose delivered and the required lethal dose.
Sunraysia Horticultural C E N T R E Department of Natural Resources & Environment Agriculture Victoria - Mildura
19 Crop Production Section
The Crop Production section at Sunraysia Publications produced by the team during 2000/ Horticultural Centre addresses issues facing a 2001 include one book, “Shaw Swingarm Trellis : range of horticultural industries such as wine maximum mechanisation in trellis dried grape grapes, dried grapes, table grapes and vegetables production” and four final research reports for a in Sunraysia. The section has a wide skills base range of industry clients. During the year members that these industries have accessed when of the team made seven conference poster developing their research and development presentations, presented two formal conference strategies. The major skill strengths of the section papers and one workshop session. include plant physiology, agricultural engineering, The Crop Production section includes eleven staff group facilitation, industry development, grapevine one of which is based at CSIRO Merbein and propagation, project management, communication another at the Victorian and Murray Valley Vine and technical research support. Improvement Association. The other nine Crop During the last twelve months the Crop Production Production staff are located at Sunraysia team has worked hard at building it’s capabilities Horticultural Centre. with significant resources allocated to training staff During 2000/2001 the section has worked on and purchase of equipment. Increasing resources 10 projects which are outlined further in this report. has allowed the group to make significant gains in existing projects and placed it in a strong position Stuart Putland for attracting new research projects in the future. Leader Crop Production Project work has been funded through a number of sources including Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Dried Fruits Research and Development Council, Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation, Victorian and Murray Valley Wine Grape Industry Development Committee, and commercial contracts. In developing projects and meeting project objectives, the section works closely with industry organisations and individuals. These organisations include; Victorian and Murray Valley Wine Grape Growers Council, Drying For Profit, Murray Valley Table Grape Growers Council and Dried Fruits Research and Development Council Mechanisation Crop Production staff. L-R: Dr Mahabubur Mollah, and Processing Committees. Stuart Putland (Section Leader), Merryl Whyte, Yasmin Chalmers, Sally-Ann Henderson, Dr Mark Krstic, A number of the projects include collaborative Glenda Kelly, Stephen Kelly, Rosie Hannah, Lyn Jacka. work with the other local research agencies CSIRO, Absent: Graeme Fletcher, Fred Hancock, Mark Welsh NSW Agriculture, Primary Industries and Resources South Australia and South Australian Research and Development Institute under the Riverlink banner. The group also works collaboratively with Agriculture Victoria and Catchment and Agricultural Services staff at other NRE locations across the State, including Bendigo, Myrtleford, Knoxfield and Tatura.
20 Defining, measuring and managing quality of wine grapes The ability to specify and measure quality attributes, and to manage the vineyard determinants of quality, is essential for the continued export growth of Australian wines. The wine produced from Australian Glenda Kelly measuring wine grapes varies widely within and between free and total sulphur seasons, depending on factors such as variety, dioxide in wine using the Rankine apparatus climate, region, diseases, ripeness, vigour, canopy and irrigation. Wine companies use various techniques to assess quality in the vineyard and at the weighbridge, but acknowledge the need for better definition and methods to accurately measure quality specifications. This CRCV national project is based in Sunraysia, with collaborators from Southern Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales. Preliminary results with data collected from the Analysis of data collected during the 2000 harvest weighbridge during the 2000 harvest have indicated shows that an accurate maturity (oBrix and pH) that the variability in Brix was much lower at the sample from a ‘block’ (harvest unit), will need weighbridge (harvested fruit in 2.5 tonne bins) 5 bunches per vine collected from at least 4 vines compared with that observed in the vineyard. within the vineyard (20 bunches in total). If testing The average coefficient of variation for Brix in the for colour or titratable acidity (TA) the sample will vineyard was 4-5%, whereas at the weighbridge it need to be 2 bunches per vine from at least 20 was only 1-2%. Data collected for other attributes vines within a ‘block’ (40 bunches in total). of wine grape quality are still being analysed. These results reflect the differences in the Once robust variability data sets have been between-vine and within-vine variances for each of collected from wineries, appropriate sampling the wine grape quality attributes. Validation work strategies can be designed in consultation with conducted during the 2001 harvest, indicates that statisticians. An industry endorsed manual on these sampling methods were successful in “Producing quality wine grapes” is being produced predicting the maturity of a vineyard. and will contain information on methods of manipulating oBrix, berry size, pH, TA, colour and Testing procedures for measuring key attributes phenolics in the vineyard. of wine grape quality were reviewed with Industry Collaborators, and a series of experiments were Staff: Dr Mark Krstic, Keith Leamon and designed to examine various testing methods. Dr Mahabubur Mollah Results this harvest indicated that the handling, storage and processing of the sample can all have Funding: Department of Natural Resources a very significant effect on the “result”. This work and Environment, Co-operative found that different storage methods (processing Research Centre for Viticulture straight away versus storage overnight in cool room Collaborators: South Australian Research and versus one week in freezer) had considerable Development Institute, Primary influence on the results for pH and TA. Brix was Industries and Resources South affected, but not to the same degree. In comparing Australia, Commonwealth Scientific different processing methods (hand/presser/juicer/ Industrial Research Organisation, blender), the blender generally gave higher pH and Wine Grapes Marketing Board lower TA values, compared with other methods of (NSW), NSW Agriculture juicing samples.
Sunraysia Horticultural C E N T R E Department of Natural Resources & Environment Agriculture Victoria - Mildura
21 Crop control for consistent supply of Collection of yield component data for crop quality wine grapes forecasting was maintained across 18 sites in Sunraysia and 11 sites in the Coonawarra. Unpredictable seasonal variations in yield and The project team has continued to foster adoption quality of wine grapes continue to cause major of crop forecasting techniques with both growers economic problems in the Australian wine industry. and wine companies. This included presentation Being able to forecast this variation is an important of a detailed crop-forecasting program, based on first step in addressing the ‘variation’ problem. 3 half-day workshops to 6 groups (approx. 130 However, it is clear that industry also requires growers). greater control, at the vineyard level, over variations in yield and quality. Staff: Dr Mark Krstic, Mark Welsh and Two crop control experiments (Chardonnay and Glenda Kelly Cabernet Sauvignon) were established at Lake Funding: Department of Natural Resources Cullulleraine to manipulate yield at various stages and Environment, Grape and Wine of growth (pruning at bud dormancy, shoot thinning Research and Development in spring and bunch or shoot thinning after fruit set). Corporation. Increasing the severity of pruning during winter resulted in a decrease in yield from 6.3kg/metre Collaborators: Agriculture Victoria - Tatura , CSIRO (21T/Ha) to 4.8kg/metre (16T/Ha) of canopy. Plant Industry, Merbein There was a significant reduction in yield for the 50% shoot thinning and bunch thinning treatments compared to the control. However, these thinning treatments produced earlier ripening, and in Cabernet Sauvignon, higher concentrations of anthocyanins and phenolics.
22 Matching vine vigour and planting Soil pits were dug at all vineyards in June 2001 to density to maximise dried vine fruit record root distribution and characteristics for each production and quality on cordon vine spacing. Preliminary analysis indicated that based systems 1103 Paulsen rootstock seems to be growing more deeply into the carbonate layer than the Ramsey The importance of managing vine vigour to maintain rootstock. consistently high production on Swing-arm trellis is essential for profitable dried fruit production Soil core samples (1.2m deep) were collected systems. This project examines manipulating vine from each site in January. Samples have been spacing to manage shoot vigour. The main photographed, depth to carbonate/limestone layer objectives of the project are to: recorded and topsoil samples analysed for pH, EC, Total N, Nitrate, P, K and other cations. 1. Investigate the interaction between planting density, soil type, effective root Staff: Dr Mark Krstic, Fred Hancock and volume, irrigation practice and vine vigour Glenda Kelly, Dr Mahabubur Mollah. to assist in deciding on optimal plant Funding: Department of Natural Resources spacings to maximise dried vine fruit and Environment, Dried Fruits production per hectare. Research and Development Council 2. Develop a basic decision support manual Collaborators: CSIRO Plant Industry, Merbein. which will assist growers in deciding on vine spacings for different soil types and irrigation management systems. The project uses six established vineyards where the vines were planted at spacings of 3.3m x 2.4m on Shaw Swingarm trellis, with either Sultana grafted to Ramsey or Sunmuscat grafted to 1103 Paulsen. For each variety, three trial sites were established on poor, medium and good soils, characterised by maximum rooting depths of 200-300mm, 400-500mm and 700-900mm respectively. At each vineyard, vines were removed to achieve four different spacings (2.4m, 3.6m, 4.8m [a] and 4.8m [b]). To measure soil moisture for each vine spacing treatment, a manual capacitance probe is used. Aerial view of vineyard showing vine spacing treatments Canopy development was monitored close to harvest using a canopy analyser. Irrigation and rainfall were monitored and recorded in log books by individual growers. Aerial photos have also been taken of each site during January 2001 to give a “birds-eye” view of the sites while they were in the first year of development. Yield, bunch numbers, bunch weight, Brix, pH and titratable acidity (fresh harvest only) and %moisture and quality grading (dried fruit harvest only) have been collected on each experimental site.
Sunraysia Horticultural C E N T R E Department of Natural Resources & Environment Agriculture Victoria - Mildura
23 Partial rootzone drying technology in Staff: Dr Mark Krstic, Yasmin Chalmers, high density orchards and vineyards Glenda Kelly Partial Rootzone Drying (PRD) is an irrigation Funding: Department of Natural Resources management technique developed in the early and Environment 1990’s to increase water use efficiency of Collaborators: Agriculture Victoria - Tatura, CSIRO winegrape vineyards whilst improving fruit quality Plant Industry Merbein, Wingara Wine and reducing canopy size. The principle of PRD is Group, Mildara-Blass Ltd. to slowly dry out part of the root system whilst keeping the other part ‘wet’ by scheduled irrigation. The wet side is irrigated for a period of time before swapping over to irrigate the dry side. Although PRD has been successful in vines growing in moderate climates, little is known about how winegrapes growing under warm/hot climatic conditions will respond to this irrigation technique. To expand on existing research, a Victorian State Government funded project under the “Next Generation Sustainable Production Systems” program has commenced at the Sunraysia Horticultural Centre. The objective of this project is to determine how certain winegrape varieties will respond to PRD in the warm/hot climate and soils of Sunraysia. This research will help to understand how PRD works by monitoring water use efficiency, fruit heat stress, water stress and vegetative growth as well as the impact of accumulating salts around the rootzone. An outcome of this project will be a sustainable PRD regime for winegrape varietals across Sunraysia. Three of the test sites used in this project are commercially operated by wineries, the fourth site is situated at the Sunraysia Horticultural Centre. The irrigation treatments are 1) control, 2) surface PRD, 3) subsurface PRD and 4) subsurface 60% PRD (these vines receive only 60% of the water given to the control vines). All sites are monitored for soil moisture using various moisture monitoring A double drip line is used to irrigate a Partial Rootzone Drying Trial in Shiraz equipment. These soil moisture measurements will allow us to determine when to switch between the wet and the dry side of the rootzone, especially during hot periods. Data will be collected for yield and fruit quality parameters (oBrix, titratable acidity, pH, colour and phenolics), including physiological measurements such as stomatal conductance, leaf water potential, canopy light interception and shoot growth.
24 Winegrape Rootstocks in the A number of assessments were conducted Sunraysia Region throughout the past two seasons. They are as follows: Rootstocks have been used in the Sunraysia for many years. However, there is only a limited • Pruning weights amount of information available about the • Nematode status of soil at each rootstock performance of commonly used rootstocks, and scion combination which have been grafted to winegrape varieties. The aim of this project is to better understand the • Soil analysis interaction of rootstock and scion combination on • Graft union assessment yield and quality parameters under environmental conditions experienced within the Sunraysia region • Maturity tests on Shiraz, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. • Harvest analysis (includes assessment of The rootstocks examined were Ramsey, 1103 winegrape quality parameters) Paulsen, 140 Ruggeri, 5BB Kober, 101-14 Millardet, Results were evaluated statistically at the end 5C Teleki, Fercal and 116-60 Lider. Fercal is a new of each season. rootstock currently under a testing agreement and is not commercially available yet. Data has indicated some specific trends in rootstock performance but a third years data is There are many advantages of using rootstocks required before these can be released as in viticulture. These include protection from soil- recommendations to industry. borne pests such as phylloxera and plant parasitic nematodes. Also, many rootstocks are well Staff: Dr Mark Krstic, Rosie Hannah adapted to particular soil types and some may be used to overcome vineyard problems such as Funding: Murray Valley Wine Industry drought and salinity. The use of rootstocks can Development Committee, Grape and also influence vine vigour, and may have important Wine Research and Development implications with canopy light interception, fungal Corporation plant pathogens and winegrape quality. Collaborators: Victorian and Murray Valley Wine Grape Growers Council.
Winegrape harvest in the Sunraysia district
Sunraysia Horticultural C E N T R E Department of Natural Resources & Environment Agriculture Victoria - Mildura
25 Bizcheck for Grapes There were two components to the framework. The first, marketed as BizCheck for Grapes, The objective of this project was improved business provided comprehensive benchmarks for grape performance, competitiveness and sustainability for enterprises from a whole of business approach. Victorian wine and dried grape producers. Bizcheck Other agricultural production and off farm income for grapes provided Victorian wine and dried grape were included to provide a picture of whole business producers with a benchmarking system to target performance. This accounted for the impact that areas for improvement in their businesses. income from off farm activities and other crops had The delivery of the project was outsourced (Tender on business decisions involving grape production. No. TO698). The successful Tender was Rendell The second component was marketed as Cost of McGuckian Agricultural Consultants from Bendigo. Production. This focussed on costs and returns The project was delivered using the BizCheck from the area of fully bearing vines. Cost of framework which has been successfully applied to Production results gave participants the opportunity other industries such as rice, dairy and processing to compare the performance of their vineyards tomatoes. against their peers. In 1998, eighty-three businesses took part in Bizcheck for Grapes and ninety-three vineyard operations were assessed by Cost of Production surveys. In 1999, seventy-five completed BizCheck for Grapes and seventy-six completed Cost of production. In 2000, forty-nine completed Bizcheck for Grapes and seventy-five completed Cost of production. Results over three years have shown that the sample of Sunraysia wine grape growers who participated in the Cost of Production survey have faced a decline in operating surplus from $11,594 per hectare down to $4,316 per hectare. This was mainly due to decreases in yields and price and increases in costs of production.
Staff: Stephen Kelly Funding: FarmBiz, Department of Natural Resources and Environment. Collaborators: Rendell McGuckian Agricultural Consultants
26 Grapecheque Grapecheque is a statewide extension initiative established for wine and table grape growers throughout the state of Victoria. Grapecheque uses grower group based techniques and adult learning principles to address vineyard production issues of common local interest. The emphasis is on encouraging the adoption of best viticulture practices and developing sustainable business approaches. The project has equivalent projects in the dried grape industry (Drying for Profit). Typical on-site Grapecheque session The Sunraysia Horticulture Centre is one of the 4 sites where Grapecheque facilitators are based. Groups were initiated with the assistance of the Victorian and Murray Valley Winegrape Grower’s Examples over the three years include, an increase Council and by word of mouth. The Grapecheque from 30 % to 68 % of participants using a crop audience included vineyard owners, managers, forecasting systems and an increase from 68% winemakers and field staff. to 100% of participants using soil moisture measurement systems. There were seven groups operating within the winegrape industry and three groups operating Staff: Stephen Kelly, Stuart Putland, within the table grape industry. The groups Rosie Hannah and Nicole Martin consisted of approximately twenty growers, based around local communities. During this year of the Funding: Department of Natural Resources project, forty-seven events were organised for the and Environment Sunraysia sites, with one hundred and thirty-five Collaborators: Victorian and Murray Valley Wine active participants. Grape Growers Council, Riverlink, Each Grapecheque group developed a meeting CSIRO, NSW Agriculture. timetable at the first meeting of the season for the year. Meetings were usually held every one to two months at a local vineyard or conference facility, dealing with the high priority issues first, then matching seasonal vineyard matters. The group tackled their chosen issues, using various adult learning methods, guided by their facilitator. A number of methods were used including farm walks, workshop sessions, guest speakers and focussed discussions. Group progress was evaluated using Bennett’s Hierarchy, Global Assessment Scales and Goal Attainment Scales. Evaluation of the previous three years of the project has indicated a significant increase in the adoption of business improving practices by grapecheque participants in Sunraysia.
Sunraysia Horticultural C E N T R E Department of Natural Resources & Environment Agriculture Victoria - Mildura
27 Winegrape Irrigation Benchmarking Collaborators: Jeremy Giddings, NSW Agriculture, Heather Cook, Agriculture Victoria - A benchmarking study was carried out for the Swan Hill, Murray Valley Wine second year in July 2000 to determine the irrigation Industry Development Committee, performance of winegrape growers across the Victorian and Murray Valley Wine Murray-Darling and Swan Hill regions. Overall 63 Grape Growers Council. sites were surveyed, made up of the following winegrape varieties: Sultana, Colombard, Chardonnay, Ruby Cabernet, Shiraz, Cabernet Healthy Oils Sauvignon and Merlot. Healthy Oils is an NRE funded project examining In 1998-99 (first year) 28% of the participating the opportunities for the production of edible oils growers produced application efficiencies greater with enhanced health attributes. than 85%. These results highlighted that although drip irrigation is strongly correlated to higher The project began in July 2000 with an examination application efficiencies, irrigation management of which oils should be investigated as part of the still dictates the efficiency of the system. project. The oils included olive, grape seed, In 1999-00 thirty-seven of the original forty sites almond kernel and apricot kernel. Olive oil was participated in the second year. Most of the identified as the most likely candidate. Work irrigators who completed the survey again for the continued through the year to identify the major second time had improved their performance, with health attributes of olive oil and how they can 58% being greater than 85% efficient. In addition be manipulated. the average application efficiency rose from 77% Research this far has identified the cardiovascular to 83%. Of these, only 6 sites did not equal or benefits of olive oil with a relatively high phenolic improve their performance from the previous year. content, when eaten as part of a Mediterranean There are a number of reasons for this overall diet. A research protocol is being designed to improvement in efficiency being 1) the irrigators investigate the impact of irrigation practices in the may have improved their performance or 2) Sunraysia on the phenolic content of olive oil. significant rainfall events throughout the 1999-00 Future research plans to examine the regional and season may have given the growers greater varietal differences in the phenolic content of oil confidence to be efficient during the season produced in Victoria. without the threat of salt build up. The other Staff in this project also participated in developing, observation is that the sites which produced in consultation with industry, a draft NRE strategy performances of greater that 85% in 1998-99 document for addressing research and development were again amongst the most efficient in 1999-00. issues within the Victorian olive oil industry. It is hoped that this benchmarking study can be continued past the 2000/01 season and help Staff: Stuart Putland and Paul McClure establish long term trends in water use Funding: Department of Natural Resources improvements in the Sunraysia and Swan Hill and Environment regions. Collaborators: Dan Ridley, Agriculture Victoria – Staff: Stephen Kelly, Yasmin Chalmers, Ovens Funding: Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation through Victorian and Murray Valley Wine Grape Growers Council.
28 Asparagus residues Veg Cheque Asparagus samples from farms across Victoria were Veg Cheque is a newly established project to deliver sampled for chemical residues to support claims extension to the vegetable grower’s of Victoria. that Victorian Asparagus is “Clean and Green”. The project’s aim is to facilitate information delivery Over three hundred random samples were taken at to enable growers to operate their farms more the farm gate in the Sunraysia, East Gippsland and effectively. Growers set their priorities as to what Koo-Wee-Rup districts. Results showed that 99% information is presented to them. Delivery usually of those samples had no residue violations. takes the form of a group activity, i.e. field walks As a follow up to the random testing program, or guest speakers. three chemical degradation trials were conducted The Veg Cheque project is set to run for five years. to see how quickly chemical applied to asparagus This year was the establishment phase of the would break down. The results of these trials will project. This included concept development, staff contribute towards recommending a minimum training, and the development of communication interval between spraying and picking. The and evaluation plans. Branding and promotion of chemicals trialed in Sunraysia were alpha- the program has resulted in a poster, brochure, cypermethrin and Tau-flauvalinate. and letterhead being developed for the project. Through the Veg Cheque program there have been A wide spread promotional campaign to get the a number of follow-up extension activities for project known by growers and the public has been growers. These include a farm walk and visits by undertaken, including representation at field days, researchers. The efficacy of alpha-cypermethrin media releases, interviews, and grower meetings. against thrips was also assessed as an adjunct to the residue degradation trial. The NRE There are six Veg Cheque facilitators located in Agribusiness unit has used the results of the Colac, Mildura, Geelong, Traralgon and Melbourne. targeted testing to produce a promotional Grower groups have been established along brochure which has been used overseas in commodity lines, or within regions for those developing export markets. growers who produce many product lines. A quarterly newsletter “ Vegetable Matters” has been produced as part of the project and is sent to all vegetable producers and industry personnel. In Sunraysia there have been activities with asparagus growers, melon growers, and mixed vegetable growers. Activities have included farm walks, on farm trials and information packs.
Staff: Sally-Ann Henderson Funding: Department of Natural Resources and Environment Collaborators: Andrew Henderson, AV – Knoxfield, Bruce Fry, CAS – Colac, Staff: Sally-Ann Henderson, Stephen Moore, CAS – Geelong, Alison MacGregor, Lisa Mitchell, Stephanie Andreata, CAS – Pamela Shaw. Traralgon, Sarah Barry, CAS – Knoxfield. Funding: Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Asparagus Growers of Sunraysia. Collaborators: Ruth McGowan, Agriculture Victoria – Ellinbank, Gavin Rose, State Chemistry Laboratories, Alan Roberts, NRE - Bendigo Sunraysia Horticultural C E N T R E Department of Natural Resources & Environment Agriculture Victoria - Mildura
29 Riverlink
The Riverlink horticultural research network continues A reshuffle in the Riverlink program areas that to benefit horticultural industries, agencies and the provide co-ordination for research and development communities of Sunraysia-Riverland. in Sunraysia-Riverland will occur in the next financial On 4 July 2001, Sir Gustav Nossal (NRE Chief year. Reflecting changes in horticulture industry Scientist and Australian of the Year 2000) launched and community priorities, Riverlink reviewed its the Riverlink Postgraduate Research Network (PRN) program structure and will introduce a program for in Mildura. This project, a joint initiative between ‘Sustainable Horticulture’ that addresses land and Riverlink and La Trobe University, will increase water use and biodiversity issues. A new program opportunities for postgraduate research in the called ‘Industry Extension, Education and Training’ Sunraysia-Riverland region. The Riverlink.PRN will will also be introduced based on a need for co- increase the pool of regional expertise available to ordination across the region. ‘Vegetables’ were also respond to horticulture industry and community identified as needing a separate Riverlink program issues, provide students with the opportunity to area, reflecting an increased focus on the growing work on challenging industry related research vegetable industry in Sunraysia-Riverland. projects and enrich communities in the region socially and economically. Riverlink’s close consultation and collaboration with regional industries continued during 2000, with research planning forums held for the winegrape and dried vine fruit industries of Sunraysia-Riverland. These forums allow researchers and industry to discuss current projects and future research needs providing direction for Riverlink project development. Reviews of regional natural resource management directions and pest and disease research were also held. Sir Gustav Nossal launches the Riverlink Postgraduate Research Network
2000/2001 Riverlink program structure and leaders: Program Program Leader Organisation Citrus Dr Ken Bevington NSW Agriculture Plant Protection Alison MacGregor Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Mildura Vegetables,stonefruit Adrian Dahlenburg SARDI, Waite Institute, Adelaide & alternative crops Irrigation & salinity Rob Stevens PIRSA, Loxton Agricultural Centre Quality Assurance Keith Leamon Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Mildura Viticulture Peter Clingeleffer CSIRO, Plant Industry, Merbein
Staff: Merryl Whyte, Bronwyn Locheal, Jennie Dale, Alison MacGregor, Keith Leamon. Funding: Department of Natural Resources and Environment, CSIRO Plant Industry, NSW Agriculture, Primary Industries and Resources South Australia/South Australian Research and Development Institute, Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation, Dried Fruits Research and Development Council. Collaborators: CSIRO, Primary Industries and Resources South Australia/South Australian Research and Development Institute, NSW Agriculture.
30 Commercial Projects
Agriculture Victoria – Mildura is located at the Sunraysia Horticultural Centre (SHC) and provides research and development, information transfer and commercial services, with emphasis on viticulture, vegetable production and citrus to irrigated horticulturalists in Sunraysia, other areas of Victoria, Australia and the rest of the world. Agriculture Victoria – Mildura conducts research through its delivery of services to current customers, identifying customer needs and responding to market demands. Potential customers in various industries are approached to identify the need for new products and services as well as adapting existing information to produce saleable products. Agriculture Victoria – Mildura aims to deliver practical solutions through excellent science, Agriculture Victoria – Mildura is an ideal research efficient resource management and effective partner, has world class research facilities, and is services to the irrigated horticultural industries. well placed to assist commercial companies and organisations to improve the profitability of their All customers are important to the business of businesses and the sustainability of their Agriculture Victoria – Mildura. All projects aim to horticultural practices. deliver on time at reasonable cost with results based on sound professional scientific practices. Agriculture Victoria – Mildura offers a range of services to the horticultural industry. It also has We aim to routinely meet customer needs, the benefit of belonging to one of the premier evaluate satisfaction and identify opportunities research and development organisations in for improvement. Australia. Agriculture Victoria – Mildura has the Agriculture Victoria – Mildura looks forward to benefit of being able to draw upon the expertise increased partnerships with companies and of the whole organisation to form expert teams to organisations to meet the increasing demands assist industry with the many challenges in of modern horticulture. today’s market place. We offer independent advice backed by sound Staff: John Hiskins scientific practices. Funding: Agriculture Victoria Commercial projects this year have concentrated on evaluation of pre and post harvest treatments of various products, production of vine propagating material, production of olive cuttings to industry, and a number of areas of importance to the wine and dried fruits industries and their suppliers and agents. This year’s major clients include the the Murray Valley Citrus Marketing Board, the Victorian and Murray Valley Vine Improvement Association, Nangiloc Colignan Farms, Milburn Park Winery, BHP, Sunraysia TAFE, and the Murray Valley Winegrape Industry Development Committee.
Sunraysia Horticultural C E N T R E Department of Natural Resources & Environment Agriculture Victoria - Mildura
31 Regional Wine Grape Crush Survey 2001
Australian Regional Wine Grape Crush These surveys address the balancing of production Survey 2001(Victoria/NSW Murray of wine grapes with the market demand by Valley, Victoria - outside the Murray winemakers and marketeers. They aim to prevent Valley) an over or under supply of grapes, thereby minimising financial losses by investors in vineyards The Australian Regional Wine Grape Crush Surveys and maximising the ability of the wine industry to for Victoria/NSW Murray Valley and Victoria - outside supply market demand. the Murray Valley both form part of the National Utilisation Project. This project is coordinated by Staff: Simone Crothers, Keith Leamon the Australian Wine & Brandy Corporation on behalf Collaborators: Lawrie Stanford (Australian Wine of the Grape & Wine Research Development & Brandy Corporation). Corporation. Funding: Department of Natural Resources The aim of the National Utilisation Project is to Environment, Murray Valley survey – obtain market information on wine grape crush Grape and Wine Research and statistics for the whole of Australia. In doing this, Development Corporation, Murray each state produces a detailed report containing Valley Wine Grape Industry Advisory wine grape crush information. A summary of Committee. Victoria (outside the these regional figures is then aggregated into the Murray Valley) survey – Grape and national report. Wine Research and Development The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Corporation, Greater Victorian Wine Economics (ABARE) also uses data from the survey Industry Development Committee. for production of their report into wine grape production and winery intakes. The Victoria/NSW Murray Valley and Victoria - outside the Murray Valley surveys provide accurate and timely information on the wine grape harvest to both wine grape growers and wineries, including: • Actual tonnes of varieties purchased and grown by wineries for the current vintage • The wineries preferred crush of each variety for the current vintage • The total purchase price, highest and lowest price paid for each variety for the current vintage • The weighted average price and baume for each variety for the current vintage • Estimates of tonnages to be purchased and grown by wineries for the next 5 years • Assessment of tonnages wineries would prefer to receive over the next 5 years.
32 Research and Development Farm
Objectives Staff: Paul McClure (Manager), Colin Bennett, David Coombes, Susan Humphrey, To provide appropriate resources for research Aaron Kelly, Nicole Martin, Tim Millen, projects to be carried out efficiently and effectively Kevin Sharman, Warren Smart, whilst maintaining the commercial viability of the Julio Vargas. farm using best practice techniques. Funding: Department of Natural Resources and Major responsibilities Environment. Provide the appropriate infrastructure and working environment for scientists to carry out horticultural research. Maintain the commercial viability of the farm whilst emulating a typical “working” horticultural farm practice using industry standards, best practice and quality control measures. Meet customer requirements in Commercial projects undertaken on the farm by maximising industry standards of quality and production best practice. The farm currently has plantings of grapevines, citrus, olives, garlic, persimmons, pistachios, Farm Staff. L-R (back) Paul McClure (Manager), avocados and vegetable crops. There is fifty-two Colin Bennett, Tim Millen, David Coombes, Aaron Kelly, Hectares of irrigated horticulture with associated (front) Kevin Sharman, Warren Smart, Susan Humphreys, machinery and infrastructure. Nicole Martin, Julio Vargas The 2001 vintage saw 33.5 tonnes of red grapes and 50 tonnes of white grapes sent for winery production while 8 tonnes of dried fruit (sultana and sunmuscat) was also produced. During 2001 the farm staff has been involved with the NOVA (National Olive Variety Assessment) Project and have also participated in an Agriculture Victoria - Knoxfield project on garlic. Some of the research being undertaken this year by Agriculture Victoria – Mildura research staff using the farm includes a Partial Rootzone Drying trial, establishment of organic sites for citrus and vegetables, managing Australian Grapevine Yellows strategies, Dried Fruit Vine Spacing and Trellis Dried Sultana Evaluation trials. Commercial projects include being responsible for producing approximately 24 Hectares of grapevine rootstock cuttings for the Vine Improvement Association, the management of a Dried Vine Fruit planting and the ongoing maintenance of an area of native vegetation.
Sunraysia Horticultural C E N T R E Department of Natural Resources & Environment Agriculture Victoria - Mildura
33 Staff List
STAFF AT AGRICULTURE MCCONNELL, Sue B.Ag.Sc.BA,Grad. VICTORIA – MILDURA MCMAHON, Lyn Dip.LIS. MILLEN, Tim MITCHELL, Lisa B.Ag.Sc. MOLLAH, Mahabubur B.Sc.Agric.Eng.(Hons) BEANLAND, LeAnn B.Sc.,M.Sc.,Ph.D M.Sc.Ph.D. BENNETT, Colin MURDOCH, Fiona B.Sc.(Hons) BRUHN, Jason B.Bus. NANCARROW, Narelle CHALMERS, Yasmin B.App.Sc. POLLOCK, Linda COOMBES, David PORTEOUS, Christina B.Sc.(Hons) CLARK, Denise PUTLAND, Stuart B.Ag.Sc. CLARKE, Kathy Dip.Hort. ROGERS, Kevin CROTHERS, Simone ROZARIO, Shelley M.Sc.,Ph.D. DALE, Jennifer B.Sc.(Hons) SHARMAN, Kevin Grad.Dip.Ed. Grad.Dip.Careers Ed. SMART, Warren DAVIS,Wayne SMITH, Antony BA (Hons) EMMETT, Robert B.Ag.Sc.(Hons)Ph.D. SUDHOLZ, Kathy FLETCHER, Graeme Dip.Ag. TAYLOR, Cathy B.Sc. FRASER, John VARGAS, Julio Agric.Eng. HANCOCK, Edward WAGSTAFF, Shirley HANNAH, Rosalie B.App.Sc. WELSH, Mark HENDERSON, Sally-Ann B.App.Sc. WIGHTWICK, Adam B.App.Sc.(Hons) HISKINS, John Dip.T. WHYTE, Meryl B.Bus.(Marketing) Grad.Dip.Spec.Ed. HUMPHREY, Susan JACKA, Lyn JAEGER, Christiane Dip.Ag.Sc. (Bon) KAZI, Benozir B.Ag.Sc.(Hons) MSc.Ph.D. (Missouri) KELLY, Michelle B.Ag.Sc. KELLY, Glenda KELLY, Stephen B.Ag.Eco. KELLY, Aaron KRSTIC, Mark B.Ag.Sc.(Hons)Ph.D. LEAMON, Keith Dip.Ag. MACGREGOR, Alison B.Ag.Sc. MADGE, David B.Ag.Sc. MARROWS, Marrows B.Sc.Dip.Ed. MARTIN, Nicole MCCLURE, Paul Dip.Hort.(Production)
34 Publications List
Research Reports Loechel, B. and Whyte, M. (2000) ‘Increased awareness and utilisation of Riverlink services by Beanland, L. (2001) ‘Attendance at the 2000 horticultural industries and natural resource Annual Entomological Society of America Meeting agencies : final report to HRDC for CT97022 (Montreal, Canada) and visit to the Ohio State (30/06/2000)’. Dept. of Natural Resources University (Wooster, Ohio)’. Dept. of Natural and Environment, Mildura. Resources and Environment, Mildura. Report to GWRDC. Mollah, M. and Krstic, M. (2000) ‘Adoption of mechanised dried vine fruit production systems : Chalmers, Y. (2000) ‘Winegrape Industry final report for DFRDC project DAV 86’. Agriculture Development Officer : progress report November Victoria – Mildura. Dept. of Natural Resources 2000.’ Dept. of Natural Resources and Environment, and Environment. Mildura. For Victorian and Murray Valley Wine Grape Growers Council Meeting. Putland, S. and Hannah, R. (2000) ‘Best practice table grapes: final report’. Agriculture Victoria - Emmett, R. W. (2001) ‘Fungal contaminants and Mildura. Dept. of Natural Resources and their impacts on wine quality. CRC project CRV 99/ Environment. 23’. Dept. of Natural Resources Environment, Mildura. Progress Report for CRCV Board (May). Whyte, M. and Dale, J. (2001) ‘Riverlink annual CONFIDENTIAL. report 1999/2000’. Dept. of Natural Resources and Environment, Mildura. Emmett, R. W. (2000) ‘Fungal contaminants and their impact on wine quality – progress report.’ Whyte, M. and Loechel, B. (2001) ‘Increased GWRDC Annual report 1999-2000. p.128. awareness and utilisation of Riverlink services by horticultural industries and natural resource Emmett, R.W. (2000) ‘Strategic use of sulfur in agencies: final project report to DFRDC for DAV 84D integrated pest and disease management (IPM) (30/06/2000)’. Dept. of Natural Resources and program for viticulture – progress report’. GWRDC Environment, Mildura. Annual Report 1999-2000. p.121. Emmett, R.W. (2000) ‘Grapevine powdery mildew Industry articles research and development – executive summary. GWRDC projects DAV 3, 7, 94/1, DAS 93/2’. Beanland, L. (2001) What is transmitting Australian Dept. of Natural Resources and Environment, Grapevine Yellows? Poster for ‘Mildura and District Mildura. For GWRDC. Horticultural Field Days, 29-30 May 2001’. Agriculture Victoria - Mildura. Dept. of Natural Hannah, R. (2001) ‘Rootstock trial progress Resources and Environment. report 04/01/01’. Dept. of Natural Resources and Environment, Mildura. For VMVWGGC meeting Burrows, D. and Cook, H. (2001) Meeting your 12/01/01. needs – finally a project that listens to your (the irrigator) views. Swan Hill Summer Fruits 10(2):12. Hannah, R. (2001) ‘Red globe production 2000’.Dept. of Natural Resources and Environment, Chalmers, Y. (2001) Partial rootzone drying - a Mildura. CONFIDENTIAL. new concept in irrigation management. Grower handout for ‘Mildura and District Horticultural Field Krstic, M. (2001) Winegrape Quality Project – Days, 29-30 May 2001’. Newsletter no. 2. Chalmers, Y. (2000) Wine grape planning forum. Krstic, M. and Hannah, R. (2000) ‘Rootstock trial: Murray Valley Winegrapegrower 6(5):1 & 5. annual report 1999/2000’. Agriculture Victoria, Mildura. Dept. of Natural Resources and Chalmers, Y. and Krstic, M. (2001) Partial Rootzone Environment. CONFIDENTIAL. drying – a new concept in irrigation management. Swan Hill Summer Fruits 10(3):8.
Sunraysia Horticultural C E N T R E Department of Natural Resources & Environment Agriculture Victoria - Mildura
35 Chalmers, Y., Krstic, M., and Kelly, G. (2001) Hannah, R. (compiler) (2001) Grapecheque News Partial Rootzone Drying (PRD). Poster for ‘Mildura 1(1). Agriculture Victoria - Mildura. Dept. of Natural and District Horticultural Field Days, 29-30 May Resources and Environment. 2001’. Agriculture Victoria - Mildura. Dept. of Hannah, R. (2001) Viticulture Identification and Natural Resources and Environment. Advisory Service. (Brochure). Agriculture Victoria - Chalmers, Y. (2000) Vineyard harvest checklist. Mildura. Dept. of Natural Resources and Murray Valley Winegrapegrower 7(1):6. Environment. Chalmers, Y. (2000) Quality fruit production : Hannah, R. and Krstic, M. (2001) Interactions seminar evaluation sheet. Produced for a between rootstock and scion combinations on yield ‘Seminar/Field day, 23 Oct 2000’. Agriculture and quality of winegrapes in Sunraysia. Poster for Victoria - Mildura. Dept. of Natural Resources and ‘Mildura and District Horticultural Field Days, 29-30 Environment. May 2001’. Agriculture Victoria - Mildura. Dept. of Natural Resources and Environment. Emmett, R. W. (2000) Finding an approach. National Grapegrowers. Sept/Oct 2000, p.21. Hannah, R. and Putland, S. (2001) Grapecheque – grower discussion groups for wine and table grape Emmett, R.W. and Madge, D. G. (2000) Grapevine growers. Poster for ‘Mildura and District Horticultural downy mildew alert. Sunraysia Daily, 26 Oct Field Days, 29-30 May 2001’. Agriculture Victoria - 2000, p.1. Mildura. Dept. of Natural Resources and Fletcher, G. (2001) Storage, treatment and Environment. propagation of grapevine cuttings. Murray Valley Hannah, R. (2000) Locusts…on the move. Winegrapegrower. 7(3):10-11. (Media release, 11 September for WIN News). Fletcher, G. (2000) Demand for grapevine cuttings Henderson, S. (2001) Off-label chemical use in in 2000 down on 1999. Murray Valley Victoria. Sunraysia Crown issue 12 (March):5. Winegrapegrower 6(5):4. Henderson, S. (2001) Veg Cheque. Sunraysia Crown Giddings, J., Kelly, S. and Chalmers, Y. (2000) issue 12(March):8. Irrigation benchmarking project 2000. Murray Valley Winegrapegrower 6(4):13 Henderson, S. (2001) Problem tomatoes. (Media release, 2 Feb). Hall, B. and Emmett, R. W. (2001) Australia’s main bunch rots - symptoms and characteristics. Henderson, S. (2001) Asparagus industry - no fools. Australian Viticulture 5(1):62-72. (Media release, 30 Mar). Krstic, M., Clingeleffer, P., Hancock, F., Kelly, G., Henderson, S. (2001) Veg Cheque – extension for and Mollah, M. (2001) What vine spacing should I the vegetable industries. Poster. plant on Swingarm trellis? Poster for ‘Mildura and Henderson, S. (2000) Alert – locusts on the move… District Horticultural Field Days, 29-30 May 2001’. Murray Valley Winegrapegrower 6(5):5. Agriculture Victoria - Mildura. Dept. of Natural Resources and Environment. Kelly, S. (2000) Sunraysia growers benefit from Grapecheque. Sunraysia Daily, 12 December 2000. Hannah, R. (2001) Quality Fruit Production – seminar evaluation sheet for ‘Mildura and District Krstic, M. (2001) Crop control through mechanical Horticultural Field Days, 29-30 May 2001’. thinning. Murray Valley Winegrapegrower 7(2):12. Hannah, R. (compiler) (2001) Grapecheque News Krstic, M. (2000) Managing variability in the 1(2). Agriculture Victoria - Mildura. Dept. of Natural vineyard. Murray Valley Winegrapegrower 7(1):10. Resources and Environment. Jacka, L. (2001) Latest NRE research on show. Hannah, R. (2001) Table grape growers monitor Murray Valley Winegrapegrower 7(3):9. current growing practices. Grapecheque News Jaeger, C. (2001) Horticultural titbits. Information 1(2):3. sheet for growers. Dept. of Natural Resources and Environment, Mildura.
36 Loechel, B. (2000) Riverlink wine grape 2000 Murdoch, F. (2001) New “clean and green” planning forum: issues and opportunities for projects for the Sunraysia Horticultural Centre. further investigation that would most benefit (Media release – Sunraysia Daily, June). industry. Found at http://www.sardi.sa.gov.au/ Putland, S. (2001) Grapecheque technical tour. riverlnk/riverlnk.htm Grapecheque News 1(2):1. Loechel, B. (2000) 2000-2001 issues and Putland, S. (2001) Grapecheque report. Murray opportunities for further investigation that would Valley Winegrapegrower 7(2):6. most benefit industry involved in dried grapes. Found at http://www.sardi.sa.gov.au/riverlnk/ Putland, S. and Hannah, R. (2001) Grapecheque – riverlnk.htm best practice viticulture and sustainable business. (Brochure). Agriculture Victoria - Mildura. Dept. of Loechel, B. (2000) Riverlink Newsletter no. 53 Natural Resources and Environment. Sept/Oct 2000. Putland, S. (2000) Dried Fruit harvester – Loechel, B. (2000) Riverlink Newsletter increasing grower profits. (Media release, Nov). no. 54 Nov/Dec 2000. Taylor, C. (2001) Around theassociations… McConnell, S. (2000) Table grape cool chain Pistachio Growers Association Inc. Australian (poster). Agriculture Victoria - Mildura. Dept. of Nutgrower 15(1):48. Natural Resources and Environment. Taylor, C. (2001) Aussies on tour. Pistachio McConnell, S. (2000) Table grapes – prevent SO2 Growers Association Newsletter February, p.1. damage (poster). Agriculture Victoria - Mildura. Dept. of Natural Resources and Environment. Taylor, C. (2000) Pistachio canker update. Pistachio Growers Association Newsletter, July, p.1. MacGregor, A. and Kelly, M. (2001) Acclaimed “Spray Application for Viticulture” workshops Washington, S. and Emmett R. W. (2000) coming to the region. (Media Release, May). Finding an approach. National Grapegrowers September, p. 21. Madge, D. (2000) Riverlink grape pest and disease field walks – Mildura and Swan Hill (Advertisement) Whyte, M. (2001) Riverlink newsletter no. 55. Madge, D. and Jaeger, C. (2001) Sustainable Whyte, M. (2001) Riverlink at Horticultural Field organic production systems. Poster for ‘Mildura Days. Murray Valley Winegrapegrower 7(2):5. and District Horticultural Field Days, 29-30 May 2001’. Agriculture Victoria - Mildura. Dept. of Books Natural Resources and Environment. Crothers, S. (Coordinator) (2000) ‘Australian Madge, D. (2000) 2000 Riverlink grape pest and regional wine grape crush survey 2000: Victoria/ disease field walks – Mildura and Swan Hill N.S.W. Murray Valley’. (Agriculture Victoria - Mildura. (Media Release) Dept. of Natural Resources and Environment) Magarey, R., Emmett, R. W., and Magarey, P. Crothers, S. (Coordinator) (2000) ‘Australian (2000) Growers can succeed in the fight against regional wine grape crush survey (Victoria/NSW powdery mildew. Australian Viticulture 4(5):32-35. Murray Valley, Victoria - outside the Murray Valley)’. Mollah, M. (2000) ‘Nuts and bolts in trellis end Found at http://www.vic.gov.au (follow the path: assembly construction’ (Brochure). Agriculture Farming and Agriculture, Horticulture ,Wine and Victoria - Mildura. Dept. of Natural Resources Grapes, Aust. Regional wine grape crush survey) and Environment. Crothers, S. (coordinator) (2000) ‘Australian Mollah, M. (2000) Book launch : Shaw Swingarm regional wine grape crush survey 2000 – Victoria Trellis – maximum mechanisation in trellis dried (excluding the Murray Valley)’ (Agriculture Victoria - grape production. (Media release, 9 November Mildura. Dept. of Natural Resources and 2000) Environment)
Sunraysia Horticultural C E N T R E Department of Natural Resources & Environment Agriculture Victoria - Mildura
37 Mollah, M. and Shaw, I. Hancock, F. and Hannah, R. (2000) Red Globe table grape Braybrook, D. (2000) ‘Shaw Swingarm Trellis : production study. Abstract and poster for maximum mechanisation in trellis dried grape ‘Horticulture in NRE – Awareness 2000 production’. (Dept. of Natural Resources and Conference’, Agriculture Victoria, IHD, Knoxfield, Environment, Mildura) 6-7 September 2000. McConnell, S. (2000) ‘Table grapes : cool chain Henderson, S. (2000) The Australian carrot
and sulphur dioxide (SO2) usage guide : from industry: a clear direction for research and harvest to retail’. (Dept. of Natural Resources development. Poster for ‘Horticulture in NRE – and Environment, Mildura) Awareness 2000 Conference’, Agriculture Victoria, IHD, Knoxfield, 6-7 September 2000. Sunraysia Horticultural Centre (2000) ‘Australian dried grape industry approved supplier program Henderson, S. (2000) Sustainable carrot manual’. (Dept. of Natural Resources and production: workshops and establishment of Environment, Mildura and Dried Fruits Research priorities in ‘Proceedings of Carrot Conference and Development Council) Australia, October 2000’, Perth, W.A. p. 70-71. Sunraysia Horticultural Centre (2000) ‘Australian Henderson, S. (2000) The Australian carrot dried grape industry approved supplier program industry : a clear direction for research and trainer’s manual’. (Dept. of Natural Resources and development. Poster for ‘Carrot Conference Environment, Mildura and Dried Fruits Research Australia, October 2000’, Perth W.A. and Development Council) Kelly, S. and Chalmers, Y. (2000) Irrigation Victoria. Dept. of Natural Resources and benchmarking for winegrapes. Abstract for Environment (2000) ‘Annual report 1999-2000 ‘Horticulture in NRE – Awareness 2000 Agriculture Victoria Mildura, Sunraysia Horticultural Conference’, Agriculture Victoria, IHD, Knoxfield, Centre’. (Dept. of Natural Resources and 6-7 September 2000. (unpaged) Environment, East Melbourne) Krstic, M. (2000) Crop control for consistent supply of quality winegrapes. Abstract for ‘Horticulture in Conference papers/posters NRE – Awareness 2000 Conference’, Agriculture Victoria, IHD, Knoxfield, 6-7 September 2000. Crothers, S, and Chalmers, Y. (2000) Wine grape (unpaged) trends for the Australian industry. Poster for ‘Horticulture in NRE – Awareness 2000 Loechel, B. (2000) Riverlink: linking horticultural Conference’, Agriculture Victoria, IHD, Knoxfield, centres in Sunraysia-Riverland. Poster for 6-7 September 2000. ‘Horticulture in NRE – Awareness 2000 Conference’, Agriculture Victoria, IHD, Knoxfield, Fletcher, G. (2001) Rootstocks for table grapes. 6-7 September 2000. In ‘2001 Rootstock Workshop. Anmatjere Council offices Ti Tree 1st May 2001’. Northern Territory Magarey, P. A., Thiele, S. A., Tschirpig, K. L., Dept of Primary Industries and Fisheries. Emmett, R. W., Clarke, K., and Margarey,R. D. (Eds) (2000) ‘Proceedings of the third international Fletcher, G. (2000) Victoria and Murray Valley Vine workshop on grapevine downy and powdery mildew’. Improvement Association. Poster for ‘Horticulture SARDI Research Report Series;50. in NRE – Awareness 2000 Conference’, Agriculture Victoria, IHD, Knoxfield, 6-7 September 2000. Mollah, M. (2000) Nuts and bolts of grapevine trellising. Poster for ‘Horticulture in NRE – Hall, B. and Emmett, R.W. (2000) Bunch Rots – Awareness 2000 Conference’, Agriculture Victoria, what, how and when. Abstract for the ‘ASVO IHD, Knoxfield, 6-7 September 2000. Viticulture Seminar Managing Bunch Rots’, held in Mildura July 2000. Vargas, J. and SHC farm staff (2000) Soil moisture monitoring and water use at the Sunraysia Hall, B. and Emmett, R.W. (2000) Bunch Rots – Horticultural Centre. Poster for ‘Horticulture in NRE what, how and when. In ‘ASVO Viticulture Seminar – Awareness 2000 Conference’, Agriculture Victoria, Managing bunch rots: proceedings’, held in IHD, Knoxfield, 6-7 September 2000. Mildura July 2000. p.7-11.
38 Glossary of Terms
AFI Agricultural and Food Initiative
ALFA Australian Lot Feeders Association
AV Agriculture Victoria
CLPR Centre for Land Protection and Resources
CAS Catchment and Agricultural Services
CAW Catchment and Water
CMA Catchment Management Authority
CRC Cooperative Research Centre
CRCV Cooperative Research Centre for Viticulture
CSIRO Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research Organisation
DRDC Dairy Research and Development Corporation
GRDC Grains Research and Development Corporation
GWRDC Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation
LWA Land and Water Australia
MCPT Maternal Central Progeny Test
MDBC Murray Darling Basin Commission
MLA Meat and Livestock Australia
NHT National Heritage Trust
NRE Department of Natural Resources and Environment
NRMS Natural Resource Management Strategy
NSW New South Wales
OH&S Occupational Health and Safety
PGIBSA Phylloxera Industry Board of South Australia
PIRSA Primary Industry and Research South Australia
RIRDC Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation
SARDI South Australian Research and Development Institute
SRI Specialised Rural Industries
STII Science, Technology and Innovation Initiative
Sunraysia Horticultural C E N T R E Department of Natural Resources & Environment Agriculture Victoria - Mildura
39 2000-2001 Review
Sunraysia Horticultural CENTRE Department of Natural Resources & Environment Agriculture Victoria - Mildura