VIT411 Viticultural Science (8)

This subject examines the growing of grapevines, and sets the foundation for later viticulture subjects dealing with the practicalities of vineyard management and performance. Students will examine the key principles underpinning vine performance and balance, and viticultural factors that dictate grape and wine composition. Students will also develop skills in vineyard management, such as pruning, yield estimations, prediction of grape berry maturity and pest and disease identification.

This subject commences in session 1 and concludes in session 2. Students must enrol in both sessions 1 and 2. It is not possible to commence this subject in session 2.

Availability

* Offering has a residential school. Please view following information for further details.

Session 1 (30)
Online *
Wagga Wagga Campus
Session 2 (60)
Online *
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: VIT411. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

Two sessions

School

School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

This subject is restricted to students enrolled in the Master of Viticulture and Oenology (Articulated Set).

Assumed Knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to PSC102 or PSC103 Botany.

Incompatible Subjects

VIT211

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to evaluate grapevine growth and physiological basis of vine growth and fruit production;
  • be able to critically analyse the composition of grape berries in relation to abiotic and biotic environmental factors and viticultural practices;
  • be able to review and summarise the interrelationships between grape berry composition, viticultural conditions and wine produced;
  • be able to critically analyse vineyard management with respect to irrigation, pruning regimes, nutrient availability and pest and disease management; and
  • be able to perform basic grapevine management techniques.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Ampelography and grapevine taxonomy;
  • Pruning training and grapevine canopy management;
  • Pests and diseases of the grapevine;
  • The processes involved in flowering, fruiting and berry development in grapevines;
  • The impact of climate, soil and water availability on grapevine function; and
  • Production and processing techniques for table grape and dried grape production.

Residential School

This subject contains a 3 day Compulsory Residential School.

The residential school will give students experience in the practical and theoretical aspects of grapevine growth and performance. Students will conduct practical exercises including spur and cane-pruning of grapevines, and dissection of grapevine buds (a necessary skill to predict vineyard yield). Students will also be provided with real-life exhibits of vine tissues so as to examine the anatomy and structure of the vine, and practice the identification of pests and diseases.

Special Resources

Students are required to attend the compulsory residential school which may involve travel and accommodation expenses and a time commitment. Students will also be required to purchase a lab coat and safety goggles which are compulsory for lab based practicals.

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2021. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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