DPI To Host Viticulture And Horticulture Masterclasses

The Department of Primary Industries will hold a viticulture masterclass focusing on the interaction between the plant, soil and water.

Dr Katie Dunne, Development Officer Viticulture, said participant numbers were limited and urged people to register early.

“We cover soil type and get out in the field and get our hands dirty investigating soil type, root depth and how to measure plant-availalbe water.

“We also cover AgTech that is used in irrigation scheduling and how to interpret the data.

“We have practical examples of this and real-time data is accessed.

“We give the growers the tools required to help them irrigate smarter and prepare for drought.”

Dr Dunne will be joined by Robert Hoogers (Research Development Officer - Soil and Water R&D Unit) and Steven Falivene (Development Officer - Citrus, based at Dareton Research Station) to present the viticulture masterclass.

“Both Robert and Steven have worked for the DPI for quite a while,” Dr Dunne said.

“Personally, I have learned a lot from them and continue to do so. “Their knowledge of irrigation and all types (from flood to trip) is exceptional.

“Robert and Steven have worked on the Irrigation guides that DPI publishes.”

Mr Hoogers has been collaborating with Dr Dunne on viticulture projects focusing on mothballing vineyards where they have had different irrigation treatments to see how it affects things like vine health, while they take vines out of production for the season.

The Viticulture masterclass will be held at Griffith Centre for Irrigated Agriculture, Murray Road, Hanwood as follows:

• Monday, May 8 - Plant water use from 9 am to 12:30 pm;
• Wednesday, May 10 - Soils from 9 am to 2:30 pm (lunch provided);
• Friday, May 12 - Eto RAW from 9 am to 2:30 pm (lunch provided);
• Monday, May 29 - Digital telemetry from 12:30 pm to 5 pm; and
• Wednesday, May 31 - Interpretation from 9 am to 2:30 pm (lunch provided).

Mr Falivene and Mr Hoogers will also host a horticulture masterclass at Griffith Centre for Irrigated Agriculture, Murray Road, Hanwood as follows:

• Monday, May 8 - Plant water use from 1 pm to 5 pm;
• Tuesday, May 9 - Soils from 9 am to 2:30 pm (lunch provided);
• Thursday, May 11 - Eto, RAW from 9 am to 2:30 pm (lunch provided);
• Tuesday, May 30 - Digital telemetry from 12:45 pm to 5 pm; and
• Thursday, June 1 - Interpretation from 9 am to 2:30 pm (lunch provided).

Email Dr Katie Dunne at katie.dunne@dpi.nsw.gov.au or phone 0429 361 563 to register for the viticulture masterclass.

Email Robert Hoogers at robert.hoogers@dpi.nsw.gov.au to register for the horticulture masterclass.

• Topics:

• Workshop / Short Courses
• Agriculture & Farming
• Wine / Viticulture