Roles of the various Australian wine industry bodies
Something Australia’s wine industry is clear about is its direction. What may not be so clear is the primary function of each of the bodies that cooperate to ensure R&D investments result in an innovative and competitive industry. Click here for a concise explanation and links to further information wine bodies

Wine markets analysed in a period of rapid change
Growth of New World wine production and its impacts are analysed in The World’s Wine Markets: Globalisation at Work, a publication edited by Kym Anderson, GWRDC Board member, Professor of Economics and Executive Director of the Centre for International Economic Studies, University of Adelaide. Orders can be made via email to the publisher direct.order@marston.co.uk or the website www.marston.co.uk

Soil reference will guide growers
Decisions on soil management and irrigation will be assisted by a new publication Soil, Irrigation and Nutrition, edited by Phil Nicholas of the SA Research & Development Institute. This is the second in the Grape Production Series initially planned and financially assisted by the GWRDC. The first, Diseases and Pests, is now widely used. Orders can be made through this website www.winetitles.com.au

RDI VitiNotes now available
Fact sheets on aspects of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) have been developed by GWRDC for incorporation in the CRC for Viticulture extension program. The first is an introduction to the potential benefits of RDI with management requirements detailed for specific vine growth stages. Others deal with irrigation scheduling, responses of different varieties to deficit irrigation, and climatic and soil limitations that may apply in various regions. To view these VitiNotes click http://www.crcv.com.au/viticare/vitinotes/

Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference assistance
The GWRDC is providing support for ten students and five regional representatives to attend the 12th Australian Wine industry Technical Conference to be held in Melbourne from July 24 to 29. This recognises that special circumstances may warrant assistance. Funding will be available to cover conference registration and a proportion of the costs of travel and accommodation. Enquiries should be directed to John Harvey on (08) 8273 0500. For full conference click onto the website www.awitc.com.au

Environment conference set for February
A third Australian Wine Industry Environment Conference will be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre from February 2 to 3. Enquiries to Keith Jones at the SA Wine Industry Association, Ph (08) 8222 9273, email keith@winesa.asn.au

Project helps manage water restriction
A GWRDC-funded regional project has developed the capacity of McLaren Vale growers to plan irrigation schedules, interpret soil moisture monitoring data and understand visual symptoms of water stress. These are valuable skills considering recent imposition of a 1.1 megalitres/hectare/year irrigation limit. For a copy of the project report click McLaren Vale Irrigation project

Strategic use of sulphur
A comprehensive final report titled Strategic Use of Sulphur in Integrated Pest and Disease Management in Grapevines has been received by the GWRDC. To view a copy click Sulphur

Vineyard floor study points to further work
A study of different vineyard floor treatments has highlighted the importance of region-specific investigations as local climate and soils are major influences on decision-making. The final report by project leader Chris Penfold, however, makes useful management interpretations. It covers aspects ranging from cover crops and mulching to innovative ways of applying herbicide. For a copy click Vineyard floor

Please click here for print version of VitiLines VitiLines May 2004

Circulation of this report by the Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation (GWRDC) is made possible by grower and winemaker levies matched by the Australian Government. VitiNotes are published as part of the CRC for Viticulture’s Viticare program.

If you do not wish to receive Vitilines please notify us via email gwrdc@gwrdc.com.au