A QUICK and simple way way to measure grapevine canopy from mobile phone images is set to make further traction in the viticulture industry.
New upgrades to the University of Adelaide-developed mobile app, VitiCanopy, has lifted its ability to help grapegrowers manage vineyards more effectively.
The app can now analyse multiple images at once, has GPS capability to create maps of the spatial variability of canopy size, plus cloud storage.
Funded by Wine Australia and the University of Adelaide, VitiCanopy helps with monitoring the differences in canopy size within vineyards which is a useful way to identify problems that could be related to pests and disease, water status and nutrient status.
Co-developer Dr Roberta De Bei from the University of Adelaide's School of Agriculture, Food and Wine grapevine canopy size is known to play a role in yield, grape quality and the potential productivity of future seasons.
RELATED READING
"Once grapevine canopy measurements are known, they can be compared against previous seasons to identify optimal traits for grape quality and maximum yield," Dr De Bei said.
The creators of VitiCanopy say the new features make visualising a lot of data even easier, with reports produced not only as CSV files but also in map format, providing visual oversight of canopy size across the entire vineyard.
Co-developer, University of Adelaide associate professor Cassandra Collins said the app has also moved into the cloud environment, which means images are uploaded directly to the cloud, saving on phone battery and storage.
"VitiCanopy's upgrade also includes a user-friendly and intuitive website providing additional information on how to get the most value from the app's analysis and reporting tools," associate professor Collins said.
Wine Australia general manager research, development and adoption Dr Liz Waters said the app was a strong addition to the diagnostic toolbox available to growers.
"Measurement of grapevine canopy size is critical to assess growth, vigour and vine water requirements," Dr Waters said.
"VitiCanopy is a valuable tool to help monitor vineyard differences in canopy size, which can help to identify problems early so that strategies and resources can be put in place to maximise vineyard productivity and profitability."
Visit viticanopy.com.au or download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
Sign up here to Good Fruit and Vegetables weekly newsletter for all the latest horticulture news each Thursday...