South Australian Grape Growers Taught Aftercare

Article by: Hari Yellina (Orchard Tech)

Grapegrowers will receive some insight into the best way to manage their vines following a hail event, during a webinar this Friday. With several major hail events causing damage in the Barossa, Adelaide Hills and Riverland regions, the meeting will discuss what actions and decisions can be made in the wake of the storm. The Australian Wine Research Institute has organised a webinar on bouncing back from a hail event for Friday, November 12, at 12:30 pm central daylight time.

This panel-style webinar brings together technical expertise and industry experience to support growers dealing with the aftermath of hail. SARDI’s Paul Petrie will provide a summary of the physiological response of grapevines to hail damage; Chris Rogers, Rogers Viticulture, will discuss the recent hail event in the Barossa Valley and the management options available to growers; and Lee Haselgrove, Mure Viticulture, will provide insights from the hail event experienced in the Frankland River region, WA in October 2014.

There will also be plenty of opportunities for participants to ask questions of the presenters and other industry panellists. In addition to the webinar, the AWRI has also updated the Managing Grapevines after hail damage fact sheet to include the latest knowledge on the effects of hail. Grapes are one of nature’s super foods because they confer so many health benefits. They are low GI meaning they’re a great source of long-lasting energy and a perfect pick-me-up when you’re peckish. Grapes are 80% water to keep you hydrated throughout the day while their natural fructose provides energy and vitality. Grapes contain lots of fibre to help cleanse and detoxify the system and they are a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin B6.