Viticulture research to practice enhanced adoption of spray application best practice

Abstract

Over recent years CRCV program 4 through WINETAC in collaboration with other organisations has developed a variety of methods of technology transfer that are readily accessible, practical and cost-effective to meet viticulture industry requirements for increased flexibility in training delivery of pesticide application information.

The main objective of this project was to continue development of pesticide application extension packages for the viticulture industry based on the Research to Practice® program to meet these changing needs while also providing a focus for industry consultation and feedback. As a result the Research to Practice® extension package for pesticide application now includes updated presentations, manuals and support materials for the three-day workshop and comprehensive short course materials including a workbook and presentations. Ten pesticide fact sheets have also been developed covering important pesticide application topics such as resistance management, adjuvant use, interpreting chemical label rates and spray equipment set up. As part of the extension component of this project short course training was conducted for two grower groups in Victoria and dilute volume spray trials were conducted during a field session with Mornington Peninsula wine grape growers.

The extension products developed in this project will contribute to the range of training and education options that can be accessed by growers, sprayer operators, students and allied industry personnel. Broader adoption of improved pesticide application practices is likely as a result this information becoming more accessible to a greater proportion of the viticulture industry.

Summary

Printed manual and training package