UV Light Trial Drives Further Innovation In Our Vineyards

It’s no secret that Ben Thomson loves to tinker in the vineyards. So, how could he resist when Wine Australia and Agri Automation approached him to test a fully autonomous vehicle using UVC light to control powdery mildew on the vines as an Australian first?  The trial is happening in our Great Western Sugarloaf Creek vineyard, and whilst it may look like something out of an extra-terrestrial movie, there are plenty of benefits to be gained.

The Vertex UV™ UVEX system, harnesses the power of UVC light to combat plant pathogens such as powdery mildew, downy mildew, and other fungal diseases. This hopefully will eliminate the need for some sprays.  There have been some great results in other agricultural products like strawberries, and we’re looking forward to seeing how this will work for grapes. Some of the identified benefits of UV-C include:

• Pathogen Control: UVC light is highly effective at deactivating or killing various pathogens, including bacteria, moulds, and fungi, which can be detrimental to grape crops.
• Reduction of Chemical Pesticides: UV-C technology can reduce the need for chemical pesticides in grape cultivation. This aligns with sustainable farming practices and helps minimise chemical residues on grapes, enhancing their safety and appeal to consumers.
• Improved Wine Quality: UVC technology can positively impact the quality of grapes used for winemaking. By reducing the presence of spoilage microorganisms on grape clusters, UVC-treated grapes may lead to improved wine fermentation and overall wine quality.
• Sustainability: The use of UVC in grape cultivation and post harvest processing aligns with sustainable agricultural practices. It reduces the environmental impact associated with chemical pesticide use and minimises food waste by extending the shelf life of grapes.
• Energy Efficiency: UVC systems can be designed to be energy-efficient, minimising the environmental footprint of their operation.

The Vertex UV unit sits on the autonomous vehicle, Burro Grande, which will work at night between 9pm and 5am. The Burro Grande has already been successfully tested in measurable trials in New Zealand and France.

Our Managing Director Ben Thomson noted “we’re very excited about the potential benefits that this system could deliver. We’ve always tinkered with new processes in the vineyards, and the opportunity to help eliminate some of the disease pressure and potentially impact the quality of fruit has enormous upside. It requires a little perseverance to get the system running, but I look forward to sharing some of the learnings with others in the wine community in future.”

It’s incredible to think about the progress we’ve made with technology to drive efficiencies in viticulture. We are always keen to embrace new methodologies and innovations that improve practices and allow us to make better wine. We can’t wait to see how this new technology works, so stay tuned as we keep you updated on its progress.

Read more about this innovation from Wine Australia Blog – LEARN MORE