Blog - Page 46 of 49 - Fruit & Vine

Using volatiles helps attract and retain aphid-feeding hoverflies in soft fruit crops

The findings of recent trials led by NIAB research assistant Adam Walker indicate commercial volatiles are effective at attracting and retaining aphid-feeding hoverflies in soft fruit crops and can be used to improve integrated pest management practices.

Britain could become a major Chardonnay producer by 2050

Over one-fifth of the UK may have suitable weather by mid-Century to grow Chardonnay grapes for still wines, according to a recent research study.

Above tabletop traps improve thrip monitoring in strawberry crops

Contrary to the current grower practice of monitoring pest thrips with below tabletop traps, placing the traps level with or slightly above the strawberry crop significantly improves their effectiveness, sensitivity, and value to growers, NIAB research has shown.

Retail sale of peat in horticulture in Wales to end

The retail sale of peat in horticulture will end in Wales, Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths has announced.

Yield forecasting tool BerryPredictor to launch on market by 2024

A new science-based strawberry forecasting tool called BerryPredictor is in the last stages of development at NIAB’s WET Centre and is expected to launch on the market by 2024.

Efficient water use equals lower costs and consistent yield quality for soft fruit growers

At the 2022 NIAB Soft Fruit Day technical webinar, WET Centre operations manager Trevor Wignall outlined the benefits of efficient water use in strawberry crops and shared details of successful research into precision irrigation and rainwater harvesting systems.

Proven design, new application

A Kent-based contractor who specialises in vineyard establishment and maintenance has invested in one of the first new Weaving Vineyard drills to establish cover crops and herbal mixes for his customers this year. David Williams saw the machine working

Cotswold Hills becomes first UK vineyard to trial eco-flat wine bottles

The Royal Agricultural University’s award-winning wine and social enterprise, Cotswold Hills, is set to become the UK’s first vineyard to sell wine in Packamama’s eco-friendly flat wine bottles.

Combatting ongoing labour issues

With labour shortages being a constant battle with UK growers, Kirkland UK says it has researched and sourced the ideal machinery solutions for this seemingly perpetual problem.

Vineyard trellis is key to success

The trellis system is one of the key factors influencing the success of a vineyard, after the suitability of the site, and selection of appropriate varieties, clones, and rootstocks. With trellis costs representing around 50% of the budget, Alistair Nesbitt from Vinescapes Ltd explains how to get it right

Winter vineyard priorities

Late autumn into winter is an ideal time to prepare vineyards for the coming season. Fruit & Vine asked Hutchinsons agronomists Rob Saunders and Chris Cooper to give their priorities during this period

Improved grape quality justifies harvester investment

A long-established Essex vineyard which produces high quality wines made from grapes grown on site has invested in a brand new self-propelled grape harvester.

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