GiESCO 2019 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 GiESCO 9 Assessing bunch architecture for grapevine yield forecasting by image analysis

Assessing bunch architecture for grapevine yield forecasting by image analysis

Abstract

Context and purpose of the study – It is fundamental for wineries to know the potential yield of their vineyards as soon as possible for future planning of winery logistics. As such, non-invasive image-based methods are being investigated for early yield prediction. Many of these techniques have limitations that make it difficult to implement for practical use commercially. The aim of this study was to assess whether yield can be estimated using images taken in-field with a smartphone at different phenological stages. The accuracy of the method for predicting bunch weight at different phenological stages was assessed for seven different varieties.

Material and methods – During the 2017-18 growing season in the Coombe Vineyard at the Waite Campus of the University of Adelaide seven different varieties were chosen for this study: Semillon, Grenache, Shiraz, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo and Cabernet Franc. After fruitset, 30 vines per variety were selected and two shoots were flagged on each vine. Images of bunches were taken five times from EL stage 30-31 to EL stage 37-38 using a smartphone. Bunch volumes were estimated from images. At harvest bunches were collected, weighed and imaged in the laboratory to compare with field images.

Results – This new approach using a smartphone to forecast the yield showed promising results. Accurate weight forecast models could be obtained by taking bunch images at veraison (R2 ranging from 0.71 to 0.84). As the bunch architecture of different varieties can vary further studies are required to improve the accuracy of this method. The tools used for this study are inexpensive, in common use, and do not need a high level of expertise to use them, furthermore, the labour required to obtain data, is not time-consuming.

DOI:

Publication date: September 26, 2023

Issue: GiESCO 2019

Type: Poster

Authors

Marco ZITO*1, Massimiliano COCCO2, Roberta DE BEI3, Cassandra COLLINS3

1 Istituto di Scienze della Vita, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy 56127
2 Dipartimento di Agraria, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy 07100
3 School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite Research Precinct, The University of Adelaide, PMB I, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia

Contact the author

Keywords

bunch architecture, yield prediction, image analysis, non-destructive method

Tags

GiESCO | GiESCO 2019 | IVES Conference Series

Citation

Related articles…

Exploring the potential of Hanseniaspora vineae for quality wines production

Traditionally, non-saccharomyces yeasts were deemed undesirable in winemaking, for this reason, it is a common practice to add sulphites to prevent their proliferation during the initial stages of vinification. However, the current research on yeast diversity has unveiled numerous non-saccharomyces strains possessing advantageous traits that enrich the sensory profile of wines. The genus hanseniaspora is often associated with wine fermentation and is also commonly found on grapes.

Influence of two yeast strains and different nitrogen nutrition on the aromatic compounds in Lugana wine

Lugana Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) wines are made from Turbiana grapes. The aroma of Lugana wines results from the combined contribution of esters, terpenes, norisprenoids, sulfur compounds and the benzenoid methyl salicylate. This study aims to investigate how volatile aroma compounds are affected by different nitrogen supplies and yeast strains.

Variabilité spatiale du gel printanier dans le vignoble champenois : application au zonage climatique

In the Champagne vineyards, spring frosts are the cause of significant variations in the volume of the harvest which are very penalizing for the trade. This variability is reflected both in time (years without frost alternating with years with severe frosts) and in space. Certain sectors of the vineyard are in fact statistically more susceptible to frost than others, but each year no municipality can consider itself immune to this climatic accident. The objective of the study is precisely to analyze the spatial distribution of frost and to determine its main mechanisms, linked to the topography of the hillsides, their orientation but also to regional meteorological variables.

Biological de-sugaring of grape musts to adjust the alcoholic strength of wine

Climate change is having an ever-increasing impact on the physico-chemical composition of grapes, with ever-lower acidity and higher sugar levels.

Utilizing ozone for the management of powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator Schwein.) in vineyards: potential and challenges

Powdery mildew, caused by fungal pathogens, poses a significant threat to grapevines in the DOCa Rioja region. In efforts to improve control strategies while reducing reliance on conventional phytosanitary products, ozone could constitute a potential alternative. However, it has short persistence, thus requiring frequent treatments. This study aimed to assess the suitability of ozone as an active substance for controlling powdery mildew within a phytosanitary strategy aimed at reducing conventional phytosanitary product usage. The strategy integrating ozone with conventional products yielded powdery mildew levels comparable to conventional treatments in both disease incidence and severity.