Best Practice Methods and cost analysis of reworking a large scale vineyard

2 BAROSSA VALLEY

3

4

5

6

7

EDEN VALLEY 8

9

10

11

LAYERING A valuable method for “VIP” vineyards, layers may end up replacing originals as we lose them!! Burying canes will induce rooting as vines have a strong callusing ability This is enhanced by moisture Temperatures between ºC are optimal. Fill the wire Suitable for one vine space Attention to detail early will pay dividends Follow–up in the first season to optimise production

14

15

Selecting Layers Layering is most suitable when identical parent material is desired and replants/cuttings are unlikely to succeed Best for the layer to start as low on the mother vine as possible – away from any eutypa (as opposed from the end of a cordon) Healthy vine Strong growth and good trunk No disease symptoms Strong position in the cordon Pencil thickness at the “layer” end of the cane – may take 2 seasons

Layering Method Select suitable wood Lightly wrap down to a ‘layering wire’, ready for next season Dig hole to at least 20 x 20 x 20 cms Peg down the layer using “trellis” wire inverted “U”s String firmly from peg to cordon wire Place a generous amount of good compost over the layer Backfill with removed soil Mulch to ensure moisture retention Wrap the layer onto the string, use a second string if necessary but do not over tighten Milk cartons can be avoided if the layer that has been buried that winter/spring was actually long enough to reach the cordon wire (the rest of it should be lignified)

Layering - Timing Providing the wire you are going to wrap the cane down to is installed: Approx I min to wrap the cane Every 2 months a follow up visit 1 minute/ cane to train (for 2 years) 5-10 minutes to dig the hole, bury the cane and top tie 18

Layering Management 2-4 weeks post budburst all layers and canes must be followed up Remove all growth except for 2 shoots at the tip for both layers and canes Revisit layers every 2-3 weeks, until growth slows (veraison at the latest) to wrap on growth Tip the layer to form cordons Follow-up during formation of vine framework every 2-3 weeks Leave layer for as long as practical, but remove once the “nurse” thickness being 3 cms Approximately a 5 year process