Chemical Removal of Cordon Bunches in Dried Grape Production

  • D.J. Unwin Department of Primary Industries Victoria, PO Box 905, Mildura, VIC 3502, Australia
  • D.P. Singh Department of Primary Industries Victoria, PO Box 905, Mildura, VIC 3502, Australia
  • E.A. Hancock Department of Primary Industries Victoria, PO Box 905, Mildura, VIC 3502, Australia
  • M.O. Downey Department of Primary Industries Victoria, PO Box 905, Mildura, VIC 3502, Australia
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21548/33-1-1304

Abstract

The Shaw swing-arm trellis has increased mechanisation in dried grape production as it enables trellis
drying of the grapes in the vineyard. However, cordon bunches that do not dry reduce the quality of dried
fruit at harvest. Traditionally, foliar application of ammonium nitrate was used to remove cordon bunches,
but results were inconsistent. In recent years, health and safety concerns have heavily restricted the use
of ammonium nitrate in the agricultural sector. Use of alternate chemical treatments was investigated to
find an alternative to ammonium nitrate for removal of cordon bunches in Carina Currant, Sultana and
Sunmuscat dried grape production. Different doses of calcium nitrate and Ethrel® (21.7%, w/v, ethephon)
were applied to grapevines at various stages of vine growth. Calcium nitrate applied at a rate of 2.6%
(w/v) to the vine pre-bloom at the 6 to 8 leaf stage (LS) and 250 ppm Ethrel® applied at full bloom (10 to 12
LS) achieved the most effective results. Both treatments provide a cost effective alternative to ammonium
nitrate without any significant negative impact on growth, fruit bearing of vines and yield in the following
year. Separate application scheduling of calcium nitrate (at pre-bloom) and Ethrel® (at full-bloom) offers
flexibility in spray (application) schedules a management practices.

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Published
2016-11-15
Issue
Vol. 33 No. 1 (2012)
Section
Articles

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