Project number
P04000236
Project leader
Halleen, F
Institution
ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Stellenbosch
Start date
2019
Project description
The objective of this research project is to study the effect of mechanical pruning (MP) on the incidence and severity of grapevine foliar, fruit and trunk diseases compared to conventional pruning. Locally, a lot of research has been done on MP however, the effect on the incidence and severity of major leaf, fruit and trunk diseases, especially the long-term effect in terms of sustainable production, is unknown.
The project will compare the incidence and severity of the following, in MP versus hand pruned vines:
- Foliar and fruit diseases (powdery and downy mildew, botrytis and Phomopsis);
- Leafroll virus and mealybugs;
- Pruning wound infections.
Researchers will also identify and determine the incidence of inoculum (fungal fruiting bodies) on wood, canes and leaves of MP vs hand pruned vines. The study aims to provide the local grapevine industry with new information on the risks and benefits associated with MP and to make recommendations to prevent inoculum build-up and wound infections. Potentially these recommendations can help to increase the lifespan of such vineyards in order to complement other benefits of MP like reduced labour costs, increased production and acceptable or increased wine quality.
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