Project Number
230058
Project Title
Determining the susceptibility of wine grape cultivars to fruit fly infestation
Project Leader
Barnes, B N
Project Description
Cover crop management cannot be applied successfully in drip irrigated vineyards with the species presently used as cover crops in the semi-arid regions and more specifically the Breede River Valley. The existing guidelines for full surface irrigation of cover crops during winter in the Breede River Valley may be luxurious.
The aim of the study is:
- to determine the effect of two drip irrigation techniques and micro sprinkler irrigation on the performance of four cover crop species, as well as to determine the effect of these management practices on grapevine performance and soil quality and
- to determine whether the irrigation volume and schedule applied to the cover crops during winter can be adjusted to reduce water consumption without compromising on dry matter production.