Phylloxera and Grape Industry Board of South Australia

Current SA rootstock research trials

Current SA rootstock research trials

Project title: Monitoring the performance of rootstocks in different grape growing regions of SA

Timeframe: 2004 - 2009

Project aims:

  • To develop a better understanding of the relationship between rootstock, soil and the environment
  • To provide information collected from the study to growers, enabling them to make better choices of rootstocks as a tool to increase profitability and sustainability

Methodology: The collection of performance data from established, commercially grown blocks comprising in each case a single scion grafted to a range of different rootstocks, all planted at the same time and in the same location. There are sites in all the major grapegrowing regions of SA that have been monitored as part of this project.

Variables assessed:
  • Pruning weights
  • Canopy assessments (leaf layer number, Height and width of canopy)
  • Yield components (berry weights, bunches per vine, Final yield)
  • Vine health (petiole tests)

Results to date have informed the recommendations provided in the PGIBSA publication: Grapevine Rootstocks.

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Project title: The effect of water stress on the reproductive performance of grafted vines

Timeframe: 2008 - 2012

Project aims:

  • To examine reproductive performance in grafted vines under conditions of water stress
  • To compare the effect of water deficit on berry development and wine quality between the different rootstocks

Overview: This research consists of prolonged deficit irrigation on six rootstock blocks and one own-rooted block to examine the effects of water stress on reproductive development and wine quality in grafted vines.

Rootstocks being compared are:

  • Ramsey
  • 140-Ruggeri
  • 1103 Paulsen
  • 99 Richter
  • 110 Richter
  • Schwarzmann
  • Own roots

Methodology: Shiraz Clone BVRC30 grafted to each of the rootstocks listed below, as well as its own roots, will be assessed for their ability to maintain growth and produce a crop when subjected to a zero irrigation regimen. The vines were planted in 2003 at the SARDI research station in the Barossa Valley, which has an average annual rainfall of 500mm. Treated vines will be deprived of any irrigation while control vines will receive irrigation as the vines require and typically totalling to 0.5ML per hectare annually.

Variables assessed:

  • Berry weight
  • Degrees Brix
  • Bud fertility measurements
  • Pollen tube growth
  • Ovule formation
  • Carbohydrate accumulation
  • Fruitset measurements (including Coulure and millerandage Index)
  • Maturity analysis (pH, Brix and TA)
  • Yield components
  • Wine analysis

Preliminary conclusions: The reportedly drought-intolerant rootstock Schwarzmann did not maintain yield and vine growth when compared with the V berlandieri x V. rupestris hybrid rootstocks (with the exception of 140 Ruggeri). The level of drought tolerance of rootstocks is not necessarily correlated with rootstock parentage.

Other information:

This project is a collaboration between:
  • PGIBSA
  • SARDI
  • University of Adelaide
  • Grape Barossa and Barossa Viticulture Technical Group (conferring of a 2008 viticulture fellowship to the Project Manager)

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Project title: Rootstocks and root knot nematode (RKN) study

Timeframe: 2009 - 2011

Project aims:

  • To determine the resistance of a range of rootstocks to RKN.
  • To investigate the anecdotal reports that 1103 Paulsen is under-performing when placed in situations of high RKN pressure.

Overview: 1103 Paulsen has been widely recommended as a rootstock in many SA regions because of its excellent drought and salt tolerance. It has recently become apparent that 1103 Paulsen is under-performing and showing signs of poor health and decline in McLaren Vale and the Riverland on sites where very high levels of RKN have been found. The RKN is the suspected cause of the problem. It is not known whether the problem is specific to 1103 Paulsen, or whether all rootstocks would be similarly affected in the same situation.

Rootstocks being compared are:

  • 1103 Paulsen
  • Ramsey
  • 140 Ruggeri
  • 101-14
  • 5C Teleki
  • 110 Richter

Methodology: Greenhouse evaluation (potted vines) of the resistance of the above rootstocks in naturally infested vineyard soils taken from the Riverland.

Variables assessed:

  • Nematode densities on roots and on soil using separate extraction methods
  • Vine growth (fresh root weight and dry shoot weight)

Other information:

This project is a collaboration between:
  • PGIBSA
  • SARDI

Download more detailed project overview

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Project title: Assessing the performance of Boerner rootstock in South Australian conditions

Timeframe: 2006 - 2016

Project aims:

  • To determine the viticultural suitability of Boerner rootstock to South Australian wine growing regions.
  • To compare the performance of Boerner with other commonly used rootstocks.

Overview: Previous work with Boerner in Germany has indicated that it fails to develop any galls when exposed to phylloxera, and phylloxera populations fail to establish on its roots. This makes it a potentially very useful rootstock in Australia, where it could effectively eradicate phylloxera from an infested region over time. However, its viticultural performance needs to be assessed in Australian conditions to determine its suitability as a rootstock for growers' requirements.

Methodology: Replicated trials have been planted on two sites: one in the Adelaide Hills and one in Clare, using the most important variety for the region (Chardonnay and Riesling respectively). The trial sites were planted in 2006. Data collection will commence in 2009-10.

Rootstocks being compared are:

Site 1: Clare (scion: Riesling)
  • Boerner
  • 110 Richter
  • SO4
  • Own roots
Site 2: Adelaide Hills (scion: Chardonnay)
  • Boerner
  • 110 Richter
  • 5C Teleki
  • Own roots

Variables assessed:

  • Rate of vine establishment
  • Vine growth (petiole tests)
  • Yield
  • Grape composition

Other information:

This project is a collaboration between:

  • PGIBSA
  • Clare Valley Vine Improvement Society
  • Adelaide Hills Wine Region Inc

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Project title: A preliminary exploration of rootstock influence on grapevine phenology

Timeframe: 2007 - 2009

Project aims:

  • To investigate the influence of rootstocks on grapevine phenology
  • To compare the effects of different rootstocks on vine growth and scion phenology

Methodology: The trial is being conducted at the University of Adelaide, Waite Campus. Field vines planted in 1991 of each treatment (see below) are maintained with nutrients as required and sprayed regularly for pest and disease control. Vines will be watered as required throughout the season.

Rootstocks assessed:

Shiraz grafted to:

  • K51-40
  • SO4
  • Ramsey
  • 420A
  • Schwarzmann
  • 5C Teleki
  • 140 Ruggeri
  • Own roots

Variables assessed:

  • Pruning weights
  • Vine health (Petiole tests)
  • Phenology (Budburst, veraison and rate of ripening)
  • Maturity testing (°Brix levels)
  • Yield components (berry weight and number of bunches per vine)

Other information: A comprehensive literature review was completed by the Project Manager prior to the commencement of this study.

Download literature review. Note that this is not a published or peer reviewed paper but a component of the study. Caution should be taken in interpreting the information.

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Project title: Regional rootstock trials

Timeframe: 2004 - ongoing

Project aims:

  • To provide grapegrowers and winemakers with detailed information on the performance of new rootstocks (Boerner and Merbein CSIRO rootstocks) compared with more conventional rootstocks within their region and climatic conditions.
  • To increase awareness of rootstocks
  • To assist growers in selecting rootstocks as a tool to increase profitability and sustainability

Methodology: The collection of performance data from newly planted trial blocks comprising either a single scion or a variety of scion clones grafted to a range of different rootstocks, all planted at the same time and in the same location. There are sites in various regions of SA that have been planted as part of this project.

Currently the sites being actively assessed are:

  • Rootstock trial on Pinot Gris in Adelaide Hills (planted 2006)
  • Clonal rootstock trial on Sauvignon Blanc in the Adelaide Hills (planted 2008)
  • Rootstock trial on Cabernet Sauvignon in Coonawarra (estimated planting date Spring 2009)

Data collection will commence when the vines are three years old.

Variables assessed:

  • Pruning weights
  • Growth components including canopy establishment and assessments
  • Yield components (rate of ripening, berry weights and bunch numbers)
  • Berry compositional analysis (pH, Brix and TA)

Other information:

This project is in collaboration with local wine industry, grape grower and vine improvement groups including:
  • Adelaide Hills Vine Improvement
  • Adelaide Hills Wine Region Inc
  • Clare Valley Vine Improvement
  • Coonawarra Grapegrowers' Association

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Project title: Effects of rootstock on fruitset in Wrattonbully

Timeframe: 2008 - 2012

Project aims: To examine reproductive performance, flowering and fruitset in grafted vines of traditionally poor setting varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, grown in a cool climate (Wrattonbully)

Overview: This research will aim to explore whether rootstocks influence fruitset on traditionally poorer setting varieties Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grown on a commercial vineyard in Wrattonbully. All rootstocks will be managed consistently throughout the trial with identical nutrient and water supply as well as a constant spray regime for pests and diseases

Rootstocks being compared are:

  • Ramsey
  • 1103 Paulsen
  • 5C Teleki
  • Schwarzmann
  • Own roots

Methodology: The site was planted in 2002. It has an average annual rainfall of 561mm. The timing of fruitset will be recorded for each trial vine, as well as a comprehensive range of other measures related to growth and productivity (see below).

Variables assessed:

  • Berry weight
  • Degrees Brix
  • Bud fertility measurements (2009)
  • Pollen tube growth
  • Ovule formation
  • Carbohydrate accumulation
  • Fruitset measurements (including Coulure and millerandage Index)
  • Maturity analysis (pH, Brix and TA)
  • Yield components

Other information:

This project is a collaboration between:

  • PGIBSA
  • University of Adelaide
  • Yalumba

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