Abstract
Background and Aims: The shift in phenological development is the most conspicuous biological effect of climate change in vineyards worldwide. Associated with the advancement in maturity there has been a compression of the harvest period that places significant pressure on vineyard and winery infrastructure. Our aims were to test the feasibility of using delayed pruning as a tool to delay ripening and decompress maturity, to establish how much pruning can be delayed before compromising yield, and to compare the response of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
Methods and Results: Five pruning dates (from winter up to 3 weeks after budburst) were applied in a commercial vineyard, and we monitored phenology, fruit maturation, and measured yield and its components. The maturation, as determined by sugar concentration, was delayed by up to 3 weeks in Shiraz and by 2 weeks in Cabernet Sauvignon. The yield response varied between pruning dates. The Shiraz vines pruned at the latest phenological stage (E-L 15) recorded a reduction in yield of over 50%; the yield of the other treatments ranged from a 24% reduction to a 55% increase relative to that of the Control.
Conclusion: Maturity was delayed with mostly neutral or positive effects on fruit composition.
Significance of the Study: Delayed pruning offers a real and cost-effective tool to allow the Australian wine industry to adapt to climate change by delaying ripening and decompressing harvest.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 378-389 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Journal | Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research |
| Volume | 23 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Oct 2017 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- climate change
- phenology
- sugar accumulation
- Vitis vinifera
