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Technology "tree": Management of vine growth and development

Internal structure and integration with other facets of cultivation and winemaking

Kobus Hunter1) and Eben Archer2)
1) ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Stellenbosch;
2) Department of Viticulture and Oenology, University of Stellenbosch

Key words: Technology "tree", Winetech, Grapevine, Research

Introduction

In 2001, the Technology Transfer Committee of Winetech (South African Wine Industry Network of Expertise and Technology) initiated a process whereby information obtained from market related research and technology development on existing facets (completed, running and future research projects) concerning grapevine cultivation and winemaking in the South African Vine and Wine Industry, as well as the transfer of this information to relevant parties, could be structured and integrated. This is envisaged to be a continuing process to prevent overlapping of (mainly) research projects (and per implication funding) and to identify gaps in existing knowledge and therefore needs for further investigation. The resulting joint technology "tree", i.e. a compilation of the multitude of "trees" of the different identified facets, namely terroir and soil management, management of vine growth and development, plant material, plant protection, oenology, processing and product development and informal training, will be regularly evaluated and tested with consideration of the following objectives:

  • To direct future decision-making

  • To quantify the status and level of technical ability in the Industry

  • To evaluate the access/availability of knowledge relevant to the grape grower/winemaker

  • To identify and compile market related focus areas in need for new/further research

Here, we report on the structure of the facet : "Management of vine growth and development". We have compiled a structure of the most apparent aspects that would play a role in the establishment of optimal grape composition for a specific product objective.

The following should be noted:

  1. The "tree" should be interpreted starting from the bottom.

  2. An integration of multiple aspects that would eventually determine the desired physiological condition of the vine is given. This is important and forms a basis for understanding the internal relationships in the grapevine per se and its reaction to external effects that may result from the natural environment, from human-related manipulations to the grapevine or from human-related changes to the natural environment.

  3. The top half of the "tree" displays the practical accommodation of the obtained knowledge in an integrated "on the farm" set-up to eventually obtain uniform, homogeneous grapevine canopies. This optimal accommodation of scientifically sound knowledge by means of practical cultivation systems should eventually lead to environment friendly, sustainable yields at optimal grape composition, dictated by a specific product objective.

  4. Investigations of the different aspects mentioned may be addressed simultaneously, but in a coordinated way.

  5. Naturally, performance of the grapevine will also be affected by other facets of cultivation and the links with these facets are therefore also indicated by means of the arrows (ë).

Conclusion

Creating knowledge of the physiology of the vine and of cultivation systems that are practically applicable must be done in conjunction to eventually determine and create the conditions required for obtaining a grape composition suited to a specific product objective. Investigations may address single or multiple aspects that may be physiologically and/or practically orientated. This information will lead to a better understanding of the complicated relationships within the vine and to improved vine management.

Structuring and integration of grapevine cultivation and winemaking facets will promote communication and decision-making concerning relevant research and technology development and transfer that are beneficial to the technological expertise and prosperity of the South African Vine and Wine Industry.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Hanlie Swart of the Department of Viticulture and Oenology, University of Stellenbosch, for preparing the figure and also colleagues for their valuable input.

Wynboer is incorporated in WineLand, magazine of the SA wine producers.

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