INTRODUCTION
Grapevine cultivation plays a significant economic role globally, with approximately 7.5 million hectares planted across 44 countries, according to the International Organization of Wine and Vine (OIV) in 2017 Australia ranks among the top 15 nations for grape production, with wine grapes being the most prevalent variety The Adelaide Hills region is particularly notable for its wine production, where Merlot grapes dominate In recent years, Merlot has gained recognition as a high-quality varietal wine, and in Australia, it occupies about 5,000 hectares, accounting for 5.4% of the country's total vineyard area (OIV, 2017).
Asexual propagation is an effective method for producing high-quality plants and maintaining consistency in plant varieties for commercial sale (Benbya, 2018) Among various techniques, grafting has been widely utilized for vines due to its numerous advantages, including the ability to alter varieties, enhance pest resistance, accelerate maturity, and facilitate propagation These benefits contribute to reduced production costs and improved vine quality (Richards, 2019).
Glenavon Nurseries Pty Ltd, a family-owned business located in Adelaide, South Australia, specializes in producing high-quality grapevines for the Australian wine industry Utilizing the bench-grafting propagation method, they cultivate premium grapevine varieties before transitioning them to young vines for outdoor planting Throughout the propagation and production stages, it is crucial to address potential challenges, ensuring that the grapevines receive proper care and training through effective methods.
The objectives of this research are:
- To investigate the propagation and production method of grapevines
- To recognize grapevine-related issues and make solutions.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Grapevine
Grapevines are a woody-climbing plant which belongs to the botanical fam- ily Vitaceae The scientific classification of grapevine includes”
Species Vitis vinifera L – wine grape P
Popular grapevine seedlings include Vitis vinifera, Vitis labrusca, Vitis riparia, Vitis rotundifolia, Vitis arizonica, and Vitis californica These varieties are primarily utilized in wine production and for creating grape juice and preserves.
Vitis vinifera is the most widely cultivated grapevine species globally, comprising the majority of the world's grapevine population This species is categorized into two primary groups: white grapes, which produce colorless or pale green fruits upon ripening, and red grapes, characterized by their red or purple fruits (Ha, 2014).
Merlot (Figure 2.1) is a popular red grape which has thinner skin and milder tennis Merlot was normally used as a varietal wine or in a blend In the past,
Merlot, once primarily blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties to enhance softness and fruit complexity, has recently gained recognition as a high-quality varietal wine cultivated globally Although its exact origins remain unclear, Merlot has been grown in the Bordeaux region of France since the eighteenth century The first botanical description was provided in 1854 by V Rendue, who noted its favorable characteristics for blending with Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, contributing to the esteemed wines of Medoc.
Grapevines can either grow on their own root systems or be grafted onto a rootstock This article emphasizes the bench-grafting method, highlighting the structure of grafted vines.
A grafted vine consists of two main components: the scion, which produces the fruit, and the rootstock, which provides the root system and lower trunk The graft union, where these two varieties are joined, is typically larger than the surrounding trunk due to the formation of callus tissue, a healing response to the grafting process The trunk itself supports the vine's aboveground structures, with its height varying based on training systems, while the top is known as the head, shaped by pruning during the vine's early training stages A mature vine's trunk features arms, from which canes emerge, and the shoot that develops from a bud is essential for vine growth and key viticulture practices Regular patterns of tendrils, flowers, fruit clusters, and buds are typically arranged along the shoot.
Grapevines thrive in various weather conditions, but dry seasons are optimal as they enhance sugar production, leading to higher grape quality The ideal temperature range for grapevine growth is between 18°C and 30°C, as deviations can adversely affect development Insufficient light over extended periods can reduce carbohydrate levels and result in smaller grapes or withered flowers Additionally, air humidity is crucial, with levels between 70% and 75% being ideal; excessive humidity can lead to disease Grapevines require an annual rainfall of 700-850mm and can adapt to various soil types, but the best pH level for growth is between 5.5 and 7.5 pH levels below 4.5 or above 8.5 can hinder grapevine development.
Merlot is a grape variety characterized by medium-high vigor and a trailing growth habit, but excessive growth can lead to a dense canopy due to lateral shoot development This variety thrives in both cool and warm climates and prefers deep, sandy loam or well-drained soils with good moisture retention However, Merlot grapevines are susceptible to spring frost affecting bud break, as well as soil issues like zinc deficiency, salinity, and excessively wet conditions Additionally, they are sensitive to diseases such as downy and powdery mildew, botrytis, and drought conditions.
Grapefruit is a powerful fruit that offers significant health benefits, including a higher vitamin A content compared to oranges—providing 28% of the daily value in just half a grapefruit, versus only 4% in oranges Additionally, grapefruit can help lower bad cholesterol, accelerate weight loss, and reduce blood pressure Similarly, wine, a product derived from grapes, is rich in antioxidants that enhance the immune system, improve bone density, and lower the risk of stroke, heart disease, and certain cancers (Gardner, 2019).
Grapevine production
Grapevines are a significant economic crop in many countries, with approximately 7.5 million hectares planted across 44 nations, according to the International Organization of Wine and Vine in 2015 The ten most prominent grape varieties, including Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot, cover over 65,000 hectares Grapevine productivity varies between 5 to 35 tons per hectare per year, influenced by factors such as location, cultivation practices, and intended use.
In 2015 the global grape area and production was 7.5 million ha (as men- tioned above) and 75.7 million tons, while the figures for Australia was stood at
149000 ha and 1.7 million tons respectively Therefore, Australia are listed in the top 15 countries with highest grape production in the same period (Aurand, 2016)
In Australia, wine grapes dominate the grape production landscape, accounting for approximately 90% of total grape products as of 2014 Shiraz leads the vineyard area, covering 40,000 hectares, which represents 26.8% of the total Following Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon occupies 25,000 hectares, making up 16.8% of the vineyard area, while Merlot accounts for 5.4% with an area of 5,000 hectares (OIV, 2017)
Grapevine products primarily encompass food items, such as fruits and raisins, as well as beverages like wine, juices, and brandy, tailored to each specific grapevine variety (Keller, 2015).
Table 2.1: Grapevine types of products
Large, freshly or juicy grapes, often seedless
Cardinal,Cinsaut, Chasselas, and Muscat of Alexandria
Thompson Seedless, Flame Seed- less, Black Corinth (synonym Zante
Currant), and Delight Juice grapes Highly aromatic grapes Concord and Niagara
Very sweet, juicy grapes, often low yield- ing
Riesling, Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon blanc, Gewurztraminer, the Pinots and Cabernets, Merlot, Tempranillo and Nebbiolo
White grapes producing bland, acidic wines
Ugni blanc (synonym Trebbiano), Colombard, and Folle blanche
2 International Organisation of Vine and Wine2
Propagation and production methods of grapevines
Vegetative or asexual propagation, such as cuttings, grafts, or layers, produces grapevines that are genetically identical to their parent plants unless affected by mutations or viral infections Grafting involves making an incision in the rootstock and inserting a fitting piece of scion wood, effectively replacing the canopy and most of the trunk of one vine with another The two primary methods of grafting used in grapevine propagation are bench-grafting and field grafting.
This thesis examines the bench-graft method, the preferred technique for mass-producing grafted vines globally Bench-grafting is a quick propagation method that involves rooting callused grafts under mist for 30 days before transferring them to a greenhouse for an additional 30 days For optimal results, the grafted vines must be healthy, vigorous, disease-free, insect-free, and relatively young (Stafne, 2013).
The bench-grafting method is followed by these steps: Preparation of stock and scion wood, machine grafting and preparation for callusing, callusing waxing and planting in a nursery (Goldammer, 2018)
Designing a vineyard involves organizing it into blocks with straight parallel rows, influenced by factors such as site capacity, grape variety, rootstock characteristics, management practices, topography, and equipment used A well-matched vineyard design is crucial for achieving high-quality fruit and good income; otherwise, it may lead to difficulties and increased costs Key considerations in vineyard design include partitioning the vineyard into blocks, row orientation, row spacing, vine spacing, and vine density (Goldammer, 2018).
Figure 2.3: Grapevine vineyard in Glenavon Nursery
Improving vineyard conditions requires several essential steps, including clearing land of unnecessary vegetation such as trees and rocks, conducting soil analysis to address nutrient deficiencies and pH levels, and preparing the soil to maximize vineyard yields Effective weed control is crucial to minimize competition for water and nutrients, while proper soil drainage is necessary for areas with poor natural drainage Additionally, implementing cover crops and establishing windbreaks can protect the vines from leaf tatter, sandblast desiccation, and wind damage (Goldammer, 2018).
Properly planting young grapevines is crucial for establishing a productive vineyard, focusing on developing strong, healthy vines that align with the training system requirements The primary goal is to encourage initial growth that fosters a robust root system and trunk development Attention to vineyard practices is vital to ensure the adequate growth and development of young grapevines.
Planting dormant grapevines typically occurs in early spring, following the last freeze, as this timing reduces stress on the plants Favorable environmental conditions, such as mild temperatures and sufficient soil moisture, contribute to the successful establishment of the vines (Goldammer, 2018).
Cares of young vines includes irrigation, fertilization, and grapevines pro- tection against external factors
Effective irrigation management is essential for maximizing water efficiency and profitability in vineyard operations Key factors to consider include monitoring weather conditions, soil moisture levels, vine development stages, soil types, and the efficiency of the chosen irrigation system This article emphasizes the suitability of drip irrigation for young vines, as their limited root systems require minimal water Drip systems are also beneficial for fertigation, allowing for the application of nutrients, fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides directly to the plants.
Fertilizers play a crucial role in enhancing soil quality by supplying essential nutrients and preventing deficiencies, which are vital for the healthy growth of vines They can be applied directly to the soil or the plants themselves, depending on the needs of the vineyard Various types of fertilizers are available, each tailored for specific conditions and purposes, including Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium-containing fertilizers, as well as organic and mixed options Additionally, foliar fertilizers are also utilized to meet the nutritional requirements of the vines effectively.
1992) Fertilization of young grapevines differs from that of mature vines in that heavy emphasis is placed on nitrogen (Goldammer, 2018), and the requirement of fertilizers are mentioned in Table 2.2
Protecting young vines is crucial for their survival and growth, particularly during the first three years after planting Implementing effective weed control prevents competition that can hinder vine development Additionally, the use of pesticides, including fungicides and insecticides, is essential to manage pest populations and minimize damage to crops These treatments help safeguard grapevines from harmful pathogens and insects, ensuring healthier vine growth and improved yields.
Training a vine involves shaping it to achieve specific dimensions and structure, including head height and the arrangement and length of arms, canes, or cordons Effective training is crucial for ensuring a high yield of quality fruit while maintaining a balance between vegetative growth and fruit production (Goldammer, 2018).
The primary goals of basic training in viticulture are to enhance production efficiency, streamline vineyard operations such as spraying, tillage, pruning, and harvesting, improve the canopy microclimate, minimize disease occurrence, and optimize both the quantity and quality of grape production while ensuring the grapevine can support mechanical loads effectively.
Training vines is essential for optimizing production, as it relies on the vine's capacity and vigor Capacity refers to the overall productivity of the vine, while vigor indicates the growth rate of its shoots Proper training ensures that vines achieve their full potential in both yield and growth.
In Glenavon Nurseries has three large block training to harvesting rootstock therefore they keep six branch which is strongest and biggest
Table 2.2: Fertilizer requirements for pre-planting and young grapevines (Coombe & Dry, 1992)
Easily leached in sandy soils
May reduce soil pH when used over a number of years
3g /vine/month for rootling 30ppm actual N in drip feed
Phosphorus is relatively immobile in most soils Where fertilizers have been used in the past, residual phosphorus maybe high enough to supply vines for many years
0.5-1.0 tonnes of superphos- phate per hecta at 15-40cm
Adequate K present in most soil Excessive K can have detrimental effect on red wine quali- ty Potassium fertilizer is need in specific area
1-2 tonne of yh sulpate of potash into planting line on
None except light sands Use mixed fertilizer to apply both N and K (8:4:8) or equivalent at 40g/vine/moth
Magnesium Adequate Mg is present in most soil
Use dolomite and incorporate into soil The rate is based on the lime requirement or soil test
Zinc is rendered unavailable in many calcare- ous soils, and is absent in leached soils
Zinc sulfate spray (1g/L) or zinc incorporated iinto compatible insecticide and fungicide spray Manganese
Deficiency occur in leached soil or those con- taining lime
Symptoms of iron deficiency are often related to waterlogging and soil compaction Free lime in soil induces deficiency
If waterlogging is likely in- stall tile drainage
Iron chelates is used if symp- toms are severe
Adequate in most soil May cause toxicity if water of soil concentration are high
Apply a basal broadcast dressing of Sprayboron (5kg/ha) or equivalent rates of borax or boric acid
Boron foliar sprays if needs (3g/ L borax 1.25 g/L of Sprayboron)
Copper Usually controlled with copper fimgicides In suspects situation copper fungicides can be used
2.3.4 Problems of young grafted vines growth and solution
2.3.4.1 Weed competition, wind and water
Effective weed management is crucial for vine health, as heavy weed competition can lead to the accidental loss of vines In the first two years, it is recommended to use pre-emergent herbicides such as napropamide (Devrinol), oryzalin (Suflan), oxyfluorfen (Goal), and norflurazon (Solicam) at specified rates Additionally, trifluralin (Treflan), Fusilade, and Simazine can also be considered for effective weed control.
Wind and water can severely affect plant health, as strong winds may break shoots and cause leaves to fall, hindering trunk development To mitigate these effects, it is crucial to establish windbreaks in the row centers, with cereal rye (Secale cereal) serving as an effective option Additionally, using vine guards made from materials such as plastic, sisal, coated cardboard sleeves, or milk cartons can provide further protection for young plants (Coombe & Dry, 1992).
To protect young vines from damage caused by rabbits and hares, it is crucial to implement effective trapping and poisoning methods Installing low electrified multiwire fencing (1.8mm) and boundary netting is essential for safeguarding grafted vines and reducing the vulnerability of scion growth Additionally, fencing is also necessary to keep kangaroos away from the plants.
Adelaide geographical characteristics
South Australia boasts 18 renowned wine regions and has been officially recognized as a Great Wine Capital of the World, making it a perfect destination for wine enthusiasts Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, is celebrated as Australia's wine capital and one of the nine Great Wine Capitals globally Among its notable regions, Adelaide Hills stands out as one of the largest and oldest wine-growing areas in Australia, with viticulture practices beginning in the late 19th century and experiencing a revival in the 1970s and 1980s.
Adelaide's vineyards thrive at altitudes ranging from 1,312 to 2,130 feet (400–650 meters), benefiting from a cool climate and diverse valleys that provide optimal sunlight exposure for grape cultivation The northern region, facing west, experiences cooler temperatures due to coastal influences, enhancing the growing conditions Additionally, the dry ripening season and extended cool growing period in Adelaide Hills allow grapes to mature gradually, contributing to the region's exceptional wine quality.
21 ripen red grapes in the majority of the years; in particular Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot are dominant in this region (WS, 2017).
Glenavon Nurseries Pty Ltd
Glenavon Nurseries Pty Ltd, a family-owned business run by Mark and Annette Cleggett in Langhorne Creek, South Australia, has been a key player in the grapevine production for the Australian wine industry for 30 years They offer high-quality grapevine rootlings and grafted vines at competitive prices, serving customers across South Australia and the Eastern States Since 1988, they have cultivated vines in virgin soils to reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases, sourcing propagation material from the South Australian Vine Improvement Committee As a VINA accredited nursery, they ensure the authenticity of their material through traceback systems and annual ampelographic checks With the capability to propagate a wide variety of grapevine clones, Glenavon Nurseries stands as one of the largest nurseries in South Australia, employing up to 30 staff during peak seasons.
Glenavon Nurseries’s procedure for evaluating grapevines
Procedure for evaluating in Glenavon Nurseries was based on The Lang- horne Creek Vine Improvement Committee
Table 2.3: The various specifications and general use of scion cuttings
6 to 12mm, below top bud
Nearly straight, with at least 4 buds
As above with at least 3 useable buds Field/Chip bud grade
As above with at least 3 useable buds
3 to 5 mm below top bud
As above with at least 3 useable buds
Table 2.4: The various specifications and general use of rootstock cuttings
Material Definition Length Diameter General
May be too curved May be slightly damaged May have lateral growth
3 to 5 mm, below top bud
Field supervisors conduct random checks on the performance of cutters, inspecting cuttings upon arrival at the row ends Any identified faults are documented on the Quality Control Inspection Sheet.
- Cut date, cool room date
METHOD
Site preparation
Location: Nursery in Glenavon Nurseries Pty Ltd, Adelaide, Australia Time: One year from Febuary 2018 to January 2019
Equipment: Shovel, disbud machine Wax and Graft RG3, Omega cut ma- chine Omega-star grafting machine, Grafting wax, Contractor, Agro-Liquid Fer- tilizer, Car, Herbicides and Pesticides.
Propagation steps
During the winter dormant period, cuttings from vigorous, well-matured grapevine canes were collected from three selected blocks The ideal cuttings should be straight, with a diameter of 7 to 10 mm and internodes shorter than 7 cm, measuring approximately 40 to 45 cm in length After selection, the cuttings are bundled together for further processing.
(100 sticks/bundle) and placed in boxes with the quantity of each one was 15-
Grapevine cuttings were processed using the Wax and Graft RG3 machine to disbud small buds, preventing mold formation in the bud eyes Following this treatment, the cuttings were stored in a cold room for preservation.
The determination of bud eye types and quantities is typically conducted by various partners or companies, with common varieties including Tinlin, Carbarnet Merlot, Tinata, and Shiraz The optimal grafting period spans four months, commencing in July.
Before grafting, stocks were trimmed closely below the bottom nodes, and scion wood was prepared by cutting into one-node pieces approximately 50mm long, with less than 20mm above the bud Both stocks and scion cuttings were stored in buckets of chlorinated water to ensure readiness for grafting The grafting of grapevines was performed using the Omega-star grafting machine 3, and the completed grafts were then packed vertically in callusing medium within 1.2x1.2m boxes To maintain optimal conditions, shade cloth was placed over the grafts, which were subsequently covered with 50mm of moist perlite or vermiculite The graft boxes were stored at temperatures between 1 – 4°C for several weeks until a sufficient number of grafts were ready for placement in the callusing room.
Figure 3.2: Packing grafts in boxes
Grafts were placed in a callusing room at temperatures of 28-29°C for approximately two weeks until a complete callus ring of 1-2 mm formed at the union Once the shoots began to grow, the shade cloth and excess medium were removed, and the grafts were transferred to a heated glasshouse for light exposure Additionally, the tops of the boxes were regularly sprayed with chlorinated water and treated with fungicide weekly to prevent Botrytis infection.
3.2.4 Waxing and planting in a nursery
After removing grafts from callusing boxes, they were trimmed and coated with grafting wax at 70-75°C to achieve a 1-2 mm layer over the scion and graft union The grafts were then cooled by dipping them in cold water To protect against pathogen attacks, an eco-fungicide was applied to the base of the grafts Subsequently, the grafts were planted in an open-ground nursery with a spacing of 5-7 cm between plants and 1.2-1.5 m between rows, at a soil temperature of 15°C and a depth of 20 cm.
Grafts must be watered immediately after planting, ensuring that the union is positioned 5cm above the soil At the end of the growing season, vines should be categorized as either grafted or un-grafted, and any vines that fail to join should be removed.
Establishing young vines
Before planting, a soil survey was conducted to assess fertilizer needs, soil salinity, and nematode levels For effective weed control, a natural herbicide called Green Assassin was utilized Additionally, a contractor was employed to clear existing vegetation, particularly large trees, to minimize competition from birds and vines It was also essential to remove root systems and perform deep ripping to prepare the soil adequately.
Figure 3.3: Natural Weed killer – Green assassin drug
To prepare for planting, the soil was finely tilled using a disc and harrow, followed by the application of lime or gypsum to enhance soil quality Young vines received protection and irrigation to support their growth Additionally, the installation of new trellises was planned to properly train the vines during their first year.
When planting grapevines, it is essential to dig holes using a shovel while ensuring the size is appropriate to prevent smearing effects Dormant vines should be planted immediately after being moved from the nursery, maintaining a spacing of 5 to 7 cm between each vine.
To ensure healthy vine growth, careful handling is essential to protect the graft union and prevent root desiccation during the planting process It is recommended to apply AgroLiquid, which contains nitrogen, urea, ammonium nitrate, and zinc, after soil ripping and prior to planting, or as a side dressing once the vines have emerged.
A drip irrigation system was employed for watering young grafted vines, especially during dry periods when rain was absent, allowing for irrigation once a day for three hours It is crucial to maintain adequate soil moisture after planting, as young vines can dry out quickly To promote healthy growth, frequent light watering is recommended over excessive irrigation, ensuring that the vines receive the necessary moisture until they begin to thrive.
Conducting soil analysis is essential to identify potential nutrient deficiencies in the planting area After ripping, pre-plant phosphorus and nitrogen were applied at a concentration of 1 pound per 100 square feet using Agro-liquid fertilizer It's important to avoid excessive amounts of fertilizer, as this can harm or even kill the vines.
To minimize wind risk, planting a windbreak or cover crop in autumn is essential Protecting young vines with vine-guards made from materials like plastic, sisal, or cardboard sleeves can enhance their resilience Additionally, applying cover sprays of fungicide, such as Mueso, is crucial for controlling diseases like downy and powdery mildew Throughout the growing season, it is important to monitor young vines for pests, including mites, vine moth caterpillars, and light brown apple moths, as well as pasture pests and cutworms, to prevent serious issues in a new vineyard.
Soak vine in Mueso pool
Mueso liquid Mueso(unfungi) pool
Figure 3.4: Application of Mueso for grapevine protection
To effectively support vine growth, it is essential to use non-stretch twine, which is secured around the fruiting wire and the vine to prevent choking To enhance wine production, undesirable side shoots, buds, and the tops of the vines are pruned Additionally, canes are wrapped down from the permanent cordons and cut to encourage the formation of lateral shoots and spurs when adjacent vine cordons converge.
Various types of organic waste, including roots, soil, branches, sticks, and buds, were collected in paper boxes and transported to the farm via tractor Once at the farm, these materials were processed using a machine to be transformed into fertilizer.
In the recycling process, non-reusable waste items such as plastic bags, plastic ties, and gloves are collected and transported by truck to a government facility for advanced recycling.
Figure 3.5: Recyling of organic waste (a) and non-reuse waste (b) a b
Figure 3.6: Grapevine propagation and production methodology
Wazing and planting in a nusery
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
Result
(a) (b) Figure 4.1: Grapevine sticks (a) and buds (b)
Figure 4.1 illustrates grapevine cuttings obtained through cutting steps, characterized by their straight or slightly curved shape, devoid of small buds and mold Each cutting is accompanied by dead leaves, soil, debris, and invertebrate pests The cuttings measure approximately 45 cm in length, with buds averaging 5 cm Their deep-brown color indicates that they are well-matured cuttings.
In Figure 4.2, the selected grapevine sticks from three nursery blocks are displayed, alongside buds sourced from another company that were grafted using the Omega-star grafting machine 3 The grafts were carefully matched to promote optimal healing.
Figure 4.3: Placing grafts in callusing room
Figure 4.3 illustrates that grafted grapevines were placed in a callusing room with low density to prevent high temperatures and low oxygen levels that could promote pathogen growth The callusing media was free from microbial and antibiotic contaminants, agrochemicals, dust, and wind, ensuring a clean environment that was regularly maintained.
Waxing and planting in a nursery
Figure 4.4: Planting grafts in nursery
This figure shows that the grafted grapevines was ready to plant in the nursery after callusing and waxing steps after grading grafted or un-grafted
Figure 4.5: Site preparation before planting
Preparing sites for planting grafted vines, previously held in a nursery, involves several crucial steps Initially, a thorough survey is conducted, followed by the establishment of irrigation infrastructure Once these foundational tasks are completed, effective weed control and cultivation are implemented, ensuring the site is ready for immediate planting of the vines.
Figure 4.6: Planting grapevines in vineyard
This figure indicates how the vines were planted in vineyard The grafted grapevines were kept standing at suitable distance and their grafts were above the surface of the soil
The vines were meticulously cared for and trained to develop a strong and healthy structure Evidence of their vitality is seen in the robust root system and trunk, which thrived due to the application of suitable fertilizers, effective irrigation, and diligent weed and pest control Additionally, the training shoots grew above the fruiting wire, where they were bent and guided along the wire for optimal growth.
Figure 4.8: Complete products before selling
This figure shows that the grafted vines were ready for selling in Glenavon nursery.
Discussion
4.2.1 Propagating grafts and young grafted vines
The grafts achieved complete healing, even under moderate thumb pressure Additionally, the graft unions remained uncontaminated by organic and inorganic materials, such as grease, callusing mix, and budding tapes The disbudding wood did not penetrate the pith, and there were no internal stains or streaks in the tissues stemming from the disbudding wound.
The trunks of the selected vines measured between 7 and 12 mm in diameter and exhibited straight or slightly curved forms, free from any breaks or damage Additionally, there were no visible signs of diseases or pests affecting the vines Each vine featured at least one well-developed shoot with healthy buds, ensuring their vitality.
The vines exhibited 39 healthy, evenly spaced roots, showcasing a vibrant surface color free from blackening or excessive mold They were well-hydrated, avoiding any signs of shriveling, and there were no brown or black spots visible in the cross-sections of the trunks, canes, and roots.
The results above have proved that the propagation and production method was applied properly and problems of growing grapevines were mitigated as much as possible
During my internship at Glenavon Nurseries Pty Ltd, I received invaluable support from my colleagues and mentors, who eagerly assisted me with breeding techniques They also provided all the essential documents needed for my research topic, making the experience highly productive and enriching.
In the initial days, I encountered numerous challenges in completing my assigned tasks due to my limited knowledge and skills Additionally, the contrasting learning and working environments between Australia and Vietnam posed difficulties in my adaptation However, after living in Australia for a year, I gradually overcame these obstacles.
During my one-year internship, I acquired significant experience and valuable knowledge in cultivation, particularly in grafting techniques and grapevine production.
Engaging in practical experience allows students to gain valuable knowledge and insights into their chosen profession while providing a realistic perspective on daily operations within a company This hands-on practice not only reinforces theoretical concepts learned in the classroom but also deepens our understanding of the industry we aspire to enter.
Along with approaching cultivation and production technology in Australia,
During my internship, I focused on enhancing my communication and problem-solving skills while learning from those around me to achieve goals efficiently Additionally, I fostered relationships with colleagues and received valuable feedback from my instructors, which helped me recognize my limitations and identify areas for improvement in my future work.