Photo: Glenneis Kriel
A book titled Wingerdwortels (‘Vineyard roots’) was launched at the recent Winetech/Vinpro information day held in Stellenbosch.
According to the authors, Prof Eben Archer and Dawid Saayman, the book – which was compiled from 240 research publications – is not a textbook but aims to empower readers with the knowledge to improve root management practices on their farms.
“Root management has been severely neglected in the past, but will become increasingly important due to climate change and rising pressure on our water resources.
It is also a well-known fact that root growth has an impact on anything that happens to the plant above the soil,” Archer said.
He said vines were more drought-tolerant than most fruit crops. However, water uptake could be impeded by a lack of oxygen and low soil temperature.
He also touched on the importance of soil preparation, and the role of plant density and rootstock cultivars in root dispersion and water uptake.
The book covers everything from the growth of wine grape roots to their morphology and anatomy, as well as the management of the root zone and factors that influence root growth and distribution.
“I have learnt over the years that the better you understand something, the better you are at managing it,” Archer said.
The book is being translated into English. An electronic English version will be released on the websites of Winetech and the Institute for Grape and Wine Sciences of the Department of Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University by mid-August.
