Project Number
WW 04-17
Project title
Determining the effect of deficit irrigation on production and wine quality of drip irrigated vineyards
Project leader
Myburgh, P A
Project description
During the report period the irrigation system was adapted to allow separate irrigation of the various treatments when the grapevines reach their full-bearing stage in the 2004 – 2005 season. The Sauvignon blanc grapevines established without problems. However, a significant number of Merlot died back, and those that did grow performed poorly in general. Since both cultivars were treated the same with respect to irrigation and nutrition, the establishing problem was probably due to poor plant material. It was decided to replant the Merlot completely during July 2003. Due to this, the Merlot part of the project should be continued for five years and not four years according to the proposal.