What was it all about?

This project was established to develop best-practice management information to enable Australian dried grape growers to consistently produce high-quality and high-value light-coloured dried fruit. It released the three-part Dried Grape Best Practice Guide for growers.

A second-stage project, it ran from 2014 to 2016. It included on-farm trials to find improved trellis drying systems that maximise the exposure of drying grapes to higher daytime temperatures, while minimising the impact of weather.

Researchers completed the literature review begun in stage one, Producing High Value Dried Grapes, and made it available to growers. The information was used to develop the three-part Best Practice Guide for dried grape growers and Australian processors and marketers.

A series of field trials was devised and carried out to test the benefits of certain treatments including potassium sprays, and drying grapes more rapidly.

While over two seasons excellent results were achieved under these conditions, the results were limited by being obtained in drier than normal seasons in both 2014/15 and 2015/16. It is therefore not certain if the results could be generalised to an average season, which is interrupted by rain events.

The research and its extension, including updates at several industry forums, generated a number of benefits. Key among them was better informed growers and processors and higher uptake of best practice management systems through the Best Practice Guides.

ACT NOW

Access the three-part Dried Grape Best Practice Guide for growers, with clear recommendations for the production of high-quality, light-coloured fruit:

• Part 1: Pre-harvest and Harvest Guide
  
• Part 2: Post-harvest to Winter 
  
• Part 3: Spring to Pre-harvest 

You can also download the literature review, Producing High Value Dried Grapes, here.