A season with a reason

While winter has suspended the vines, it’s left plenty of opportunity for the Australian Table Grape Association extension team to continue work on trials, technology and off-season events.

Trials & analysis

The team has conducted the second round of sampling and analyses of roots and dormant bud sticks, as part of the vine health component of the project.

A new round of root samples was taken and prepared for analysis in June, to understand the relationship, if any, between carbohydrate status and restricted spring growth (RSG). Results from the first round had been inconclusive.

The most recent sampling concentrates on the vascular system and its connection with carbohydrate transport within the vine.

The team also collected a new set of dormant bud wood samples, which were delivered to SARDI/ PIRSA in July for analysis, to determine if there is a connection between mite presence and RSG. Data collected from the mealybug trial site was analysed during winter. Given the 2022-23 season was a low-pressure year for mealybug, the results were hardly surprising, with most systemic chemical combinations showing similar results.

Technology

As the ATGA continues to support producers’ ag-tech adoption, participating producers now have their GoPros, as part of the AgriFutures progression project, which will collect data using innovative AI technology and estimate yield at various stages of production. During winter, the team coordinated and attended the on-boarding process between participating growers and service provider BitwiseAg, which will allow us to support growers as they capture the season ahead. We will catch up regularly with BitwiseAg and participants over the coming months to oversee a smooth roll-out of the technology. Keep an eye out on our socials for updates.

Networking & events

Swan Valley producers welcomed ATGA team members and Agriculture Victoria irrigation specialist Jeremy Giddings for two sessions on irrigation management in June.

Based on previous feedback from Western Australia, Swan Valley producers will be facing a reduction in water allocations in 2028, so now is an opportune time to optimise irrigation performance.

The sessions covered soil water principles, irrigation systems, system monitoring, scheduling tools and water savings. Attending producers and service providers especially enjoyed the practical sessions in soil pits and irrigation performance assessment (AKA getting wet) as well as the barbecue, sponsored by WildEye.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development was also on hand to promote horticulture water use efficiency grants under the Gnangara scheme. Thanks to Graeme Roscic and Tony and Kyle Lovretta, who hosted the two sessions.

In Sunraysia, the ATGA team –together with the extension teams of Dried Fruits Australia, Murray Valley Wine Growers and Agriculture Victoria – have been collaborating to address shared industry concerns and topics of interest or importance.

As a result, the team established the Mallee Horticulture Technical Network (MHTN), which had its inaugural meetup in early June. The concept builds on the ATGA's existing agronomic group, bringing industry and agricultural service providers together at key points in the season to connect and discuss industry trends, issues and needs.

This team also supported and assisted the facilitation of viticulture & apiary business workshops in Mildura and Robinvale, hosted by Agriculture Victoria. ATGA spoke to presenter Gavin Beever to get some insight into the questions businesses can ask to understand if they’re “fit and healthy”, see pages 30-32.v