Phylloxera resistant rootstocks

Introduction and overview

The aim of this section is to provide growers, viticulturists and winemakers with up-to-date information on rootstocks; their benefits and the factors that should be considered when choosing a rootstock for a particular site. The information has been compiled from scientific research, anecdotal information and field observations from both Australia and overseas.

Sections:

• About rootstocks provides readers with information on the relationship between rootstocks and phylloxera as well as statistics on current rootstock use in South Australia.
• Choosing a rootstock contains all the information required for a grower to make an informed choice on which rootstock(s) are best suited to their site and individual requirements.
• Rootstock characteristics contains detailed information on the performance characteristics of all the commonly available and recommended varieties of rootstock in Australia.
• Regional rootstock data provides a summary of information on rootstock performance collected from South Australian vineyards between 2004 and 2007.
• Rootstock research projects gives an overview of the research trials currently being undertaken by the Rootstock Project Manager.
• Overseas study tour 2009 provides an overview and detailed report on the overseas study tour undertaken by the Rootstock Project Manager in July 2009.
• Rootstock literature includes a comprehensive list of reference articles related to rootstock performance, an on-line searchable database of Australian rootstock literature, and the proceedings of the 2008 National Rootstock Forum.

2008 Barossa young viticulturist fellowship award final report.

In 2008, Catherine Cox, the Board's Rootstock Project Manager, won the Barossa young viticulturist award to support her project "The effect of water stress on the performance of grafted vines with an emphasis on wine quality".

The project objectives were to determine the drought tolerance of grafted vines grown in the Barossa under conditions of water stress and examine the implications water stress has for wine quality - a subject pertinent to grape growers, viticulturlists and winemakers faced with ongoing drought and water shortages.

The final report of the project was recently submitted to the project sponsors. Download final report.

Any specific information requests can be made by contacting the Rootstock Project Manager, Catherine Cox.