Technology transfer to grow, produce and market organic wine in the Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley

Abstract

Technology transfer to grow, produce and market organic wine in the Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley

Summary

Information provided on the field visits and subsequent discussions between vignerons and Dr Hofmann covered general information on organic standards, soil improvement, cover crop management, weed control, canopy management and plant protection – Botrytis and Powdery Mildew specifically. There is a high demand for sound information on these topics as well as their influence on wine quality.

Translation of Dr Hofmann’s book from German into English would be valuable, according to the growers who participated in Dr Hofmann’s seminars and field visits. Dr Hofmann felt his tour was well organised and left with enthusiasm as our growers expressed a willingness to experiment, in comparison to growers in other countries where he consults. Individual regions recorded specific issues of relevance.

In general, soil management was shown as sub optimal – more training on soil management would be good for organic and non-organic situations, and long term soil maintenance may be a rewarding topic for future seminars or farm trials. The use of rye grass in the inter-rows was common practice amongst the seminar participants. Dr Hofmann was concerned about the allopathic effects on vine roots, and so he introduced the use of multi species as an alternative. The trialling of Australian seed mixes for vineyard floor management could be farm trialed also.

Undervine weed control was an important topic, with only one grower using straw mulch with success for soil life and moisture retention. Undervine weed control systems used overseas could be adopted for Australian conditions. Dr Hofmann considers that our current canopy management allowed for too many shoots, too dense foliage and no ventilation a danger for powdery mildew and botrytis. A system adapted to Australian light, heat and disease conditions in cool climates would be required.

There was immense interest to alternatives to petrochemical plant protection. Although many products are available in Australia for organic and biodynamic use, there is no good compendium available including Australian trial results.