Earlier this year, Jon Peet, Fruitfed Supplies Technical Specialist – Viticulture, travelled to the Syngenta Learning Centre for Grapes in the Barossa Valley with Dean Perry, Syngenta’s Napier-based Territory Sales Manager.
They had the opportunity to observe trial work with several new products in development for the Australian market, some of which would be a good fit for New Zealand wine grape growers. Jon and Dean discussed the trial results and technical aspects of numerous products and how each could work in New Zealand conditions. The importance of spray coverage for optimum disease control was another important topic, followed by informative visits to local vineyards with Nick Hall, Syngenta Australia Southern Horticulture Manager, and local consultant Colin Hinze.
Jon believes overseas visits such as these provide an excellent opportunity for far greater dialogue about how products perform compared to growing conditions in New Zealand. “Nothing compares to seeing first-hand how products perform in challenging conditions and the foresight this provides into how we may need to adapt to future changes in climate, such as potentially warmer and shorter seasons.”
One example is the importance of variation when spraying, don’t spray the same active ingredient at the same growth stage from season to season, as this will lead to resistance. Jon explains: “The way certain powdery mildew products are being used in early growth stages in Australia is very different to the norm in New Zealand, and results in better disease control in the latter part of the season when pressure is much higher.”
Dean enjoyed helping Jon connect with local Syngenta experts. “These visits highlight how much we can learn from colleagues operating in different conditions.”
