Bunch thinning

Abstract

Having highlighted bunch thinning as an important practice to consider, the Murray Valley Growers' Research & Development Committee sought a project that could extend advice based on scientific knowledge of the effects of thinning and the quality specifications of winemakers.

Summary

The thinking behind this regional project was that quality improvements and consistency of supply would be important for economic sustainability. Initially it was planned to gather reliable information on bunch thinning and provide this to extension personnel and to grape growers through printed materials as well as power point presentations. A further component was to be a vineyard demonstration of hand and machine bunch thinning but the season in which the project was conducted was low-yielding and there was reluctance to undertake any thinning.

Grape growers were consulted for feedback on presentations, which they found to be useful. They were also asked whether they had thinned bunches in the past and had confidence to implement the practice in the future. Several who had not used the practice said they would consider it as a result of the project.

For a more comprehensive insight into mechanical or hand bunch thinning R&D please also see reports: CSH 96/1 – Crop development, crop estimation and crop control to secure quality and production of major wine grape varieties: A national approach, or CSP 00/2 – Crop control for consistent supply of quality wine grapes.