Digital tools for canopy management to increase competitiveness
Abstract
A more sophisticated version of the VitiCanopy App was developed to make the measure of canopy size and vineyard variability quicker and easier. This was made commercially available with a set of new features including; a mapping tool that shows spatial distribution of canopy size in a vineyard, fast batch analysis of imagery and an easy to use web-based platform for improved visualisation and management decision making. In parallel to software development, a series of case studies were performed to highlight the use of VitiCanopy and investigate the links between canopy size, vineyard variability, vineyard management, fruitfulness, and fruit quality.
Summary
To maintain and increase competitiveness in the international market Australian vineyards are required to consistently produce high quality fruit. Canopy vigour and productivity assessments are key factors to determine final fruit and wine quality, however they are difficult to measure and manage in the vineyard using currently available methods, particularly when there is high spatial variability within vineyard. Previous research at the University of Adelaide (UA) let to the development of VitiCanopy, a mobile app that measures canopy architecture through the analysis of canopy images taken using a smartphone. The geo-referenced VitiCanopy results can be used to assess vineyard variability however, improvements and expansions of the algorithms were needed to make this technology more user friendly and the interpretation of the results more accessible.
The objectives of this project were to:
- Develop and implement add-ons to VitiCanopy that allow for the assessment of additional training systems and vine densities.
- Expand the development of pruning weight algorithms.
- Create a web-based software for batch analysis of images and data mapping, with the option to analyse images from an autonomous canopy capture from moving vehicles.
- Provide information about the links between canopy architecture, vine balance and berry quality for different varieties, training systems and wine regions.
- Achieve accurate early yield prediction through bud dissection and image analysis techniques.
- Develop and deliver an extension strategy to measure and interpret canopy development in vineyards across Australia through seminars and workshops.
VitiCanopy redevelopment: a completely new user interface, enhanced help features, batch analysis of images, cloud server processing and the generation of reports as both files and maps of the spatial variability of plant area index in the vineyard were implemented. This new version of VitiCanopy was launched in February 2022 and can now be downloaded for both Apple and Android operating systems.
Development of pruning weight algorithms: the relationship between pruning weight measured in the vineyard and the cover value obtained from VitiCanopy analysis was assessed for three commercial and one experimental vineyard. Results produced coefficients of determination (R2) ranging from 0.92 to 0.96 to demonstrate that images of dormant vines can be processed using VitiCanopy and results used to assess pruning weight and its distribution in a vineyard.
VitiCanopy Web: a web version of VitiCanopy is now available for users already registered within the mobile app. This web version allows for analysis and visualization of results using the more powerful CPU of a computer and with the added comfort of a bigger screen.
Collection of images from moving vehicles: the implementation of a vehicle mounted system has been explored and a prototype based on a Raspberry Pi computer developed to enable the autonomous collection of images in the vineyard. The functionality of the Raspberry Pi tool is based on the current VitiCanopy application.
Information on the links between canopy architecture and vine performance for different varieties, training systems and wine regions: Trials were established in an experimental Semillon vineyard, five commercial Chardonnay vineyard blocks in the Riverland Region of South Australia and three premium Shiraz vineyards in the Barossa Valley. Results from these trials have been reported as case studies. In the experimental vineyard, canopy management strategies were applied to modify the canopy size for three consecutive seasons. Results confirmed the ability of VitiCanopy to capture the differences in canopy size imposed by the treatments. Moreover, strong links between canopy size, canopy temperature and light interception, yield components and berry and wine sensory and chemistry were found. The spatial variability of all these parameters, in the trial, was also mapped. The commercial Shiraz vineyards were used as case studies to demonstrate how VitiCanopy could assist identifying areas of different performance, assess variability within and between seasons, create a history of a site and assess the outcome of canopy manipulations. Grape chemistry and sensory attributes and reproductive performance were all assessed for the identified areas of different performance and showed strong links amongst all these measured parameters. This information could be used to direct vineyard management decisions.
Bud dissection using image analysis techniques: the link between canopy size and bud fertility was investigated using bud dissection analysis and image analysis. This information can aid in early yield estimation and canopy management decisions. These techniques are accessible by industry through a commercial bud dissection service offered at the University of Adelaide.
Extension strategy: the dissemination of results was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic however, findings have been presented through online conferences and workshops, through communication with the growers involved in the project and other industry practitioners, through meetings with Wine Australia and the Industry Reference Group and through publications both in open access scientific journals and Australian and international industry magazines.