VIT501 Advanced Viticultural Science (8)

This subject focuses on key aspects of grapevine function, performance and pathology. In particular it deals with nitrogen metabolism, root function, leaf and canopy photosynthesis, berry development, vineyard technology, pests and diseases of grapevines. This is a readings subject that is mainly reliant on the review and synthesis of original scientific articles.

No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2022.

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

One session

School

School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

Enrolment is restricted to students enrolled in the Masters of Viticulture and Oenology.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to accurately describe the current knowledge about nitrogen uptake and flux in the grapevine.
  • be able to describe and explain current knowledge about carbon capture, translocation and partitioning in the grapevine.
  • be able to describe current knowledge about berry ripening and the perception of fruit quality.
  • be able to describe the current knowledge about climate change and its forecasted impact on the viticulture industry.
  • be able to describe the new technologies available to vineyard managers
  • able to describe the major pests and diseases of grapevines and the latest management strategies available to grape growers

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

- Nitrogen and Grapevines - N uptake, transformation and translocation, storage, distribution, role of reserves, evaluation of current state of knowledge, implications for yield and quality of grapes; - Photosynthesis of Grapevines - variation in light and temperature conditions, effects of water supply, relationship to carbohydrate sinks, leaf age and canopy management; - Berry development and sugar accumulation - source leaves, direction of carbohydrate movement, ripening triggers, pathway, xylem function, impact of water deficit. - Climate change in viticulture, General theoretical framework, current applications to the viticulture industry, adaptive solutions, critical analysis of the situation; - New technologies in viticulture: production equipment, precision viticulture, models in viticulture, role in climate change adaptation, cost benefit analysis. - Pests and Diseases of Grapevines, identification, lifecycle and epidemiology, effects of environment and management.

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of VIT501 in Session 2 2021. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Nitrogen in grapevines
20
2
Grapevine photosynthesis
30
3
Ag-fact berry quality
20
4
Review (portfolio) - climate change
30

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

Back