Articles
Assessing vineyard and orchard variability through analysis of canopy images
Article number
1395_16
Pages
119 – 124
Language
English
Abstract
Canopies in vineyards and orchards are intrinsically variable.
Understanding this variability could allow for more targeted and efficient management inputs to deliver more consistent crop yield and quality.
Assessment of variability within vineyards and orchards that rely on the ability to monitor leaf area, canopy vigour and canopy growth can be challenging.
Current methods for canopy monitoring are often based on subjective visual observations, manual procedures, expensive remote sensing or the use of instrumentation that can be destructive, time consuming and impractical outside of a research environment.
Previous work on vineyard canopy assessments through canopy image analysis using the VitiCanopy app confirmed links between plant area index (PAI) (the total area of leaf and non-leaf material per unit ground area) and canopy temperature, light interception, yield components, and berry and wine sensory traits and chemistry.
Given the results obtained in vineyards, the use of the same image analysis tool was examined in a mature experimental almond orchard where tree planting densities were compared.
The results demonstrated that not only could the tool be used to easily capture orchard variability, but there was also a strong link between PAI and yield.
In this paper, two case studies with grapevines and almond trees demonstrate the practicalities of assessing canopy size using the VitiCanopy method to: 1) identify regions within orchards or vineyards of different performance; 2) assess variability within and among seasons; 3) create a site history; and 4) assess the links between canopy size and plant performance.
Understanding this variability could allow for more targeted and efficient management inputs to deliver more consistent crop yield and quality.
Assessment of variability within vineyards and orchards that rely on the ability to monitor leaf area, canopy vigour and canopy growth can be challenging.
Current methods for canopy monitoring are often based on subjective visual observations, manual procedures, expensive remote sensing or the use of instrumentation that can be destructive, time consuming and impractical outside of a research environment.
Previous work on vineyard canopy assessments through canopy image analysis using the VitiCanopy app confirmed links between plant area index (PAI) (the total area of leaf and non-leaf material per unit ground area) and canopy temperature, light interception, yield components, and berry and wine sensory traits and chemistry.
Given the results obtained in vineyards, the use of the same image analysis tool was examined in a mature experimental almond orchard where tree planting densities were compared.
The results demonstrated that not only could the tool be used to easily capture orchard variability, but there was also a strong link between PAI and yield.
In this paper, two case studies with grapevines and almond trees demonstrate the practicalities of assessing canopy size using the VitiCanopy method to: 1) identify regions within orchards or vineyards of different performance; 2) assess variability within and among seasons; 3) create a site history; and 4) assess the links between canopy size and plant performance.
Authors
R. De Bei, G. Thorp, K. Breen, J. Stanley, C. Collins
Keywords
almond, canopy architecture, grapevine, plant area index, Prunus amygdalus Batsch, Vitis vinifera L
Groups involved
- Division Temperate Tree Nuts
- Division Vine and Berry Fruits
- Division Temperate Tree Fruits
- Division Precision Horticulture and Engineering
- Division Plant-Environment Interactions in Field Systems
- Division Tropical and Subtropical Fruit and Nuts
- Working Group Precision Management of Orchards and Vineyards
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