Next Generation Viticulture: Capture more light to harvest more grapes
Transforming canopy management systems to maximise sunlight could increase vineyard profitability without compromising wine quality, says researchers.
Plastics don’t change from their polymer form, but break into smaller bits which remain in the environment. Microplastics can enter water and infiltrate sea ecosystems.
PolyNatural offers a sustainable alternative using raw materials which are sourced from renewable resources and created through fermentation. The Christchurch-based company was at WinePro in Blenheim in late June, with live grapevines on display to demonstrate vine clips, foliage clips as well as plant protectors.
They are now launching the Vine Halo, developed based on feedback from WinePro and specifically designed to help protect young vines from rabbits, sprays and the elements. Another new product is foliage clips, used to manage the vine canopy.
The new products build on the successful material technology used in the PolyNatural Vine Clip and represents a significant advancement in sustainable viticulture practices. Because they are made by bacteria they get eaten by microorganisms, with the rate of breakdown dependent on the PolyNatural formulation, the thickness of the product, humidity, surrounding pH, UV radiation and temperature.
The products can be returned back to PolyNatural Christchurch facility to be used as feedstock.
