Managing grapevine trunk disease with remedial surgery

As the average age of vineyards across New Zealand increases, grape growers and managers increasingly recognise the effects of grapevine trunk disease on both vine productivity and longevity. One option that can potentially “renew” and extend the life of infected vines is remedial surgery. This procedure involves removing the trunk above the graft union and growing a new shoot to replace the old trunk.
As part of Bragato Research Institute's Vineyard Ecosystems Programme, this project led by researchers Eline van Zijll de Jong (Linnaeus Ltd) and Mark Sosnowski (South Australian Research and Development Institute), seeks to provide best-practice guidance on managing trunk disease with remedial surgery. In addition, this research is expected to assist growers in making informed decisions on whether to retrunk or replant.
Find out more: bri.co.nz/2021...