The Australian Wine Research Institute

The Australian Wine Research Institute Blog

November 2025 Technical Review available now

19 November 2025 >

19 November 2025

Technical Review is the AWRI’s own technical publication, which includes updates on AWRI research and a curated selection of the most recent grape and wine literature recommended by AWRI Emeritus Fellow Dr Peter Dry and Engagement Specialist Matt Holdstock.

Australian winemakers and grapegrowers can view abstracts and access the latest non-open access journal articles and books from the John Fornachon Memorial Library, free of charge.

Access the full November issue of Technical Review online, or view a small selection of our recommendations from this issue below:

AWRI publications

  • An analysis of underlying relationships between factors related to operating costs and revenue in Australian vineyards. [Read full-text online] Journal of Agriculture and Food Research
  • The discovery of disulfides linked to “flint” aroma formation in wine. [Read abstract online] [Request copy from AWRI Library] Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
  • Surface modification of recycled low-density polyethylene for separation of emulsified oily polluted waters. [Read full-text online] Emergent Materials

Viticulture

  • Active and passive changes in sugar concentration during grape ripening [Read full-text online] American Journal of Enology and Viticulture
  • Afternoon shading delays ripening and modifies grape flavonoids and wine composition under natural heat stress in semi-arid regions [Read full-text online] Food Chemistry: X
  • Approaches to assessing soil nutrient cycling condition: A case study in the Hunter valley wine district [Read full-text online] Soil security
  • Revised viticulture for low-alcohol wine production: strategies and limitations [Read full-text online] Horticulturae
  • Scale insect pests in vineyards: Can biodiversity help suppress densities? [Access copy from AWRI Library online] Australian & New Zealand Grapegrower & Winemaker
  • Severe preveraison and moderate postveraison deficit irrigation improves berry phenolics in warm-climate Pinot noir [Read full-text online] American Journal of Enology and Viticulture
  • Vine age, variety and planting density influencing the effects of water supply on yield and quality of wine grapes—A meta-analysis [Read full-text online] Agricultural Water Management

Sustainability

  • Ceramic membranes for winery wastewater management: feasibility study and water reuse potential [Read full-text online] Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering
  • From waste to solution: modeling and characterization of grape seed bio-waste for phosphate removal from wastewater [Read full-text online] Processes
  • Infrastructure for innovation: Designing winery facilities for scalability, sustainability and smart technology [Access copy from AWRI Library online] Australian & New Zealand Grapegrower & Winemaker

Oenology

While you are there, check out the library’s database containing more than 765 immediately available digital journals and magazines, and set up alerts to be notified about new issues or key topics of interest to you.

Not a library member yet? Register for a new login or use the forgotten password link to reset your password.

Acknowledgments

This work is supported by Wine Australia, with levies from Australia’s grapegrowers and winemakers and matching funds from the Australian Government. AWRI is a member of the Wine Innovation Cluster in Adelaide, SA.

2025 AWRI Board election result

18 November 2025 >

18 November 2025

An election was recently held for two positions on the AWRI Board: one in the Grape Research Levy payer category and one in the large Wine Grapes Levy payer category.

The AWRI is pleased to announce that Peter Szabo (CCW Co-operative Ltd, SA) was elected in the Grape Research Levy payer category and Wayne Ellis (Ellis Castle Consulting, Vic) was elected in the large Wine Grapes Levy payer category.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peter Szabo is a vineyard owner and seasoned agribusiness leader with over four decades of experience across the Australian wine sector. He is currently the General Manager and Company Secretary of CCW Co-operative Ltd—Australia’s largest grower-owned grape supply organisation— overseeing operations, financial performance and strategic direction of a membership of nearly 500 winegrape growers. Peter is also a Director of CIT (Central Irrigation Trust).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wayne Ellis is a highly experienced people, strategy, supply and operations and process manager with over 25 years’ cross functional experience with medium to large FMCG companies. He has extensive experience across a wide range of industry sectors including wine, project management, supply chain management and operational management in the electronics industry. In previous roles at Duxton Vineyards, Accolade Wines, Zilzie Wines and Treasury Wine Estates, Wayne was responsible for overseeing the supply chain and operations across Australia and New Zealand. He is currently a consultant with Ellis Castle Consulting.

Both Directors will commence their new elected terms on 1 January 2026. The terms of outgoing Board members Iain Jones and Damien Sheehan conclude on 31 December 2025. The AWRI thanks Iain and Damien for their contributions over their time on the AWRI Board.

Start of summer prompts planning for possible bushfires and smoke in 2025/26 season

5 November 2025 >

5 November 2025

As we start another summer in Australia, it’s time to start thinking about plans for dealing with the possibility of bushfires and smoke. This eBulletin provides a reminder of the resources available to support growers and winemakers preparing for and managing smoke events. 

Resources available on bushfires and smoke taint 

Heatwave and bushfire weather tools 

A number of agencies provide tools for tracking heatwaves, fires and air quality measures:

Smoke testing 

  • AWRI recommends that sampling of grapes for smoke testing be conducted around three weeks before harvest, to allow enough time for transport of grapes to a testing facility and for the analytical testing of grapes. Provided the same analytical methods are used, results can be compared to AWRI’s comprehensive background database of smoke marker compounds to assist with interpretation. The publicly available database now contains data for 21 grape varieties grown in Australia. 
  • Pre-veraison grapes or leaf samples should not be tested, because there is no background database for these samples to support results interpretation.  
  • All results from testing by Affinity Labs (AWRI’s commercial arm) include graphical representations of the results in relation to the background levels database, to assist with interpretation. See this ‘Ask the AWRI’ article for more information. 
  • Verbal interpretations of smoke analysis from any laboratories using the same methods as those used to establish the background levels can also be requested from the AWRI helpdesk. 

Capacity to deal with a significant smoke event 

  • If a major smoke event occurs, AWRI will work with stakeholders and regional associations to share the most relevant technical information and optimise sample collection and transport. 
  • Question & answer events can be scheduled in affected regions, where needed, in consultation with local regional associations. These will most likely be delivered online or in a hybrid format. 
  • There is an option for sample preparation in-region to be supported to speed up testing. 
  • Affinity Labs has increased its smoke testing capability since 2020 and plans are in place to quickly ramp up analysis if a major smoke event occurs. 

Greater understanding of the risk of smoky wines based on testing of grapes 

  • Following a major collaborative research project conducted during the 2020 vintage, more information is now available to help producers assess the risk of smoky wines based on grape analysis. 
  • This work confirmed that the current suite of 13 smoke exposure markers in grapes could predict smoky flavour in wine in three varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz). 
  • Other studies have shown that applying remediation techniques can reduce the impact of smoke in some wines. 

 

For more information or assistance with planning for future smoke events, please contact the AWRI helpdesk on helpdesk@awri.com.au or 08 8313 6600. 

AWRI’s eBulletin is supported by Wine Australia, with levies from Australia’s grapegrowers and winemakers and matching funds from the Australian Government. 

AWRI Board election – voting now open

3 November 2025 >

3 November 2025

Voting is now open in the election for two vacant positions on the AWRI Board of Directors in the Grape Research Levy payer (grapegrower) and the large (50,001+ tonnes) Wine Grapes Levy payer (wine producer) categories. One position in each category will be filled.

Levy payers in each category nominated the following candidates:

Grape Research Levy payers
Matthew Deller (CEO, Wirra Wirra Vineyards, Ashton Hills and Hahndorf Hill, SA)
David Lloyd (Winemaker, Tas)
Jamie Saint (Chief Winemaker, Australian Vintage Ltd, SA)
Damien Sheehan (General Manager/Viticulturist, Mount Langi Ghiran, Vic)
Peter Szabo (General Manager, CCW Co-operative Ltd, SA)

Large Wine Grapes Levy payers
Wayne Ellis (Consultant, Ellis Castle Consulting, Vic)
Rob Glastonbury (Operational Manager, De Bortoli Wines, Vic)
Iain Jones (Global Quality & Technical Services Manager, Treasury Wine Estates, SA)
Jean Macintyre (Project Lead – Liquid Innovation, Vinarchy, SA)
Steve Warne (Chief Winemaker, Kingston Estate Wines, SA)

Voting instructions and candidate profiles (Grape Research Levy payer candidates and Large Wine Grapes Levy payer candidates) are available on the AWRI website or you can access the voting page directly. The ballot will close at 5:00 pm CST on Friday, 14 November 2025.

Levy payers in each category are strongly encouraged to vote for their preferred candidate. Only Grape Research Levy payers (grapegrowers) are eligible to vote in the Grape Research Levy payer category and only large Wine Grape Levy payers are eligible to vote in the large Wine Grapes Levy payer category.

This is an excellent opportunity to have a say in electing a candidate that can contribute to the Australian grape and wine research and development agenda.

 

Need help deciding if you are eligible to vote in this election?

The Grape Research Levy (GRL) is the levy payable on fresh grapes, dried grapes and/or grape juice produced in Australia and delivered to a processing establishment in Australia. A GRL payer is an organisation (sole producer/partnership/company) that is liable to pay the GRL even if the actual levy is remitted by a winery on your behalf.

The Wine Grapes Levy (WGL) is the levy payable on grapes used in the winemaking process. A large WGL payer is an organisation that crushes more than 50,000 tonnes of grapes per annum.

You may be eligible to vote in both categories.

The election will be conducted electronically with assistance from Elections Australia Pty Ltd.

 

VOTING PERIOD NOW OPEN
The ballot is now open and voting has commenced. The ballot will close at 5:00 pm CST on Friday, 14 November 2025.

 

VOTING INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Go to: http://www.myvote.com.au/awri and follow the instructions.
  2. Enter the name of the levy payer (the organisation liable to pay the levy) and the person submitting the vote on behalf of the levy payer.
  3. Cast your vote.

A levy payer organisation may only vote once in each election in which they are eligible to vote. The following representatives are eligible to vote on behalf of the levy payer organisation:

  • Sole owner
  • Partner of a partnership
  • Director (or Director equivalent) of a Company or group of Companies.

Results of the election will be announced in the week commencing 17 November 2025 via the AWRI’s eBulletin and will also be published on the AWRI website.

For further information please contact the Returning Officer, Shiralee Dodd at returningofficer@awri.com.au.

For other enquiries
please contact
enquiries@awri.com.au
08 8313 6600

No grape contract this season? Explore vineyard resting and removal pathways

29 October 2025 >

29 October 2025

If you’re a grapegrower heading into the upcoming season and you do not currently have a contract in place for the upcoming vintage, now is the time to actively assess your options. With ongoing market uncertainty, oversupply and rising input costs, resting or removing vineyard blocks can be a practical and proactive strategy. 

Below is a guide to key pathways, support services and planning tools to help you make an informed decision. 

Resting your vineyard using ethephon to reduce yield 

If you want to keep the vine structure intact, resting your vineyard using ethephon is a practical option. Applying ethephon between phenological stages E-L 25 and E-L 27 (approximately 80% cap-fall to young berry enlargement) can reduce yield, allowing you to cut back on inputs such as water, nutrition and sprays. This helps lower production costs while keeping the block ready for future production.  

Further information on resting vineyards with ethephon is available in the recent eBulletin, fact sheet and webinar. 

Block removal & returning land to level ground 

For growers who believe there is no realistic contract pathway in the near-term, or who wish to reposition the land use entirely, this Guide for Vineyard Removal & Waste Management provides a step-by-step overview of the process. A companion Excel‐planning tool allows you to estimate costs based on local contractors and model different cost scenarios. 

If the outlook is long-term low return, vineyard removal may help to reduce cost-drain and redeploy assets more flexibly. 

What to do right now 

If you do not have a contract for the sale of your grapes this season, it’s important to decide on a pathway as soon as possible. Waiting may limit your options and increase costs. 

Options: 

  • Resting: If you hope to return to production later and want to retain the vineyard asset. 
  • Removal: If the block isn’t likely to be profitable for the long term and you’re considering replanting or another land use in future. 
  • Pursue contract: If you believe you can obtain a viable contract and justify full cost production. 

 

Steps to take: 

  1. Know your numbers: review profitability from each block over the past five years and estimate short-term returns. Use this information to set priorities, for example, which blocks to keep in production, rest, or remove. 
  2. Build your timeline: With resting or removal, there are lead times (contractors, budgeting, waste-management, approval/licensing) — acting now gives you flexibility rather than being forced into late-season decision-making.  
  3. Use planning tools: Download the Vineyard removal guide and planning tool and run scenario modelling now. 
  4. Communicate with your state or regional body: Your associations can assist to put you in touch with local contractors, services, resources and funding programs. 
  5. Engage support early: Contact appropriate support services which may include a local consultant, accountant or legal adviser. Consider wellbeing support if you are under stress. 

Other support, services & resources  

Business & financial support services

  • Low-interest loans: the Regional Investment Corporation for farm investment, restructuring or operating expenses.  

Health & wellbeing 

Many growers are feeling the strain of current market pressures, and support is available. Available services include:  

Contacts 

AWRI Helpdesk Phone 08 8313 6600 (option 1)  

Email helpdesk@awri.com.au Website http://www.awri.com.au  

Address Wine Innovation Central Building, Corner of Hartley Grove & Paratoo Rd, Urrbrae (Adelaide), SA 5064 

Further information 

Wine Grape Council of SA, South Australia Wine Industry Association and Primary Industries and Regions South Australia.– South Australian assistance guide for grape growers & winemakers

Acknowledgements 
This eBulletin is supported by Wine Australia with levies from Australia’s grapegrowers and winemakers and matching funds from the Australian Government. AWRI is a member of the Wine Innovation Cluster in Adelaide, SA. 

Agrochemical update – Avoiding fungicide resistance in downy mildew

27 October 2025 >

27 October 2025

Under conditions favourable to disease development, downy mildew can lead to severe crop losses, especially when fungicide resistance develops. This eBulletin covers the key reasons resistance occurs, how to detect and confirm it, and strategies for effective management. 

 About downy mildew  

When conditions favour disease prevalence, Downy mildew is one of the most important diseases of grapevines in Australia. The disease is caused by the pathogen Plasmopara viticola, which affects green grapevine tissue. When the following set of conditions arise, downy mildew can become a problem:  

What is fungicide resistance in downy mildew and why does it matter? 

Downy mildew can develop resistance to fungicides when the pathogen Plasmopara viticola changes genetically over time, making fungicides less effective or even ineffective at controlling it.  

Fungicide resistance can have serious flow-on effects for winegrape production. As resistance builds, growers face fewer effective fungicide choices, sprays are applied more often, and input costs are higher. Fungicide resistance can also increase environmental concerns, attract negative public attention, reduce yields, and even lead to fruit rejection at the winery. 

Read more about how fungicide resistance occurs and how to avoid it here. 

 

How do you know if you have resistance to downy mildew fungicides? 

If you are applying fungicides each year and the incidence and severity of downy mildew in your vineyard seems to be getting worse, you may have fungicide resistance or reduced sensitivity. 

 

 Downy mildew fungicide resistance detections in Australian vineyards 

Recent research led by South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), a research division of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), has confirmed the detection of downy mildew fungicide resistance to several fungicide groups commonly used in vineyards.   

Active ingredient  Fungicide Activity Group  Resistance status 
metalaxyl  4  Detected 
pyraclostrobin  11  Detected 
dimethomorph  40  Not detected 
mandipropamid  40  Not detected 

Source: South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI)

While only one representative formulation per active ingredient was evaluated as part of this research, a range of registered products for each of the above active ingredients can be found in Table 2 of the 2025/26 Agrochemicals registered for use in Australian viticulture, commonly known as the ‘Dog book’. A full list of detections from this research can be found on page 18 in the 2025/26 ‘Dog book’. 

 

How can you test for downy mildew resistance? 

If you suspect you may have fungicide resistance in downy mildew, a free national testing service to monitor fungicide resistance in downy mildew, powdery mildew and botrytis in winegrapes is available (until June 2027).  

Samples for downy mildew resistance testing can be submitted to the SARDI Horticulture Pathology Laboratory by following the detailed sampling instructions here.  Biosecurity considerations apply. Prior to sending samples to the laboratory, please contact ismail.ismail@sa.gov.au.  

This testing service is part of a research project led by SARDI in collaboration with Curtin University and the AWRI, and funded by Wine Australia, the Cooperative Research Centre for Solving Antimicrobial Resistance in Agribusiness, Food, and Environments (SAAFE CRC), SARDI and Curtin University.  

 

Importance of spray program management 

Overuse of the same fungicide groups as part of a spray program is a key contributor to the development of downy mildew fungicide resistance.  

One of the key information sources provided annually in the ‘Dog book’ to assist you in reducing downy mildew fungicide resistance is the CropLife Australia resistance management strategy on page 15.  

Before you order chemicals for the new season, review this strategy alongside your proposed spray program. Take note of: 

  • the fungicide group associated with each product you plan to apply; 
  • which fungicide groups must be applied as a protectant − Groups 11, 11+3, 21, 40, 45+40, 40+49 and 49, or can be applied after an infection event but before the first sign of oilspots – Group 4;  
  • which fungicide groups must be applied as part of a co-formulation or tank-mixed with an alternative chemical activity group − Groups 4* and 49;  
  • the suggested maximum number of times each fungicide group be applied in the season; and 
  • whether the fungicide group can be applied as a consecutive spray in the program – Groups 4, 21, 40 and 45+40. 

Note that some fungicide groups and/or products are restricted or prohibited from use by some wineries or grape suppliers. Refer to Table 2 in the ‘Dog book’ and your winery/grape purchaser’s guidelines before you spray. 

In addition to reading the CropLife Australia resistance management strategies, always read chemical labels prior to spray application, to ensure you are applying the correct treatment rate. 

*As advised in the AWRI eBulletin on 25 August 2025, the APVMA registration of Group 4+M3 co-formulated downy mildew products Axiom MZ WG (mancozeb + metalaxyl-M) and Axiom MZ 720 (mancozeb + metalaxyl) was stopped on 01/07/2025. These fungicides are being replaced by Group 4 Axiom Flexi (metalaxyl-M) which must be tank-mixed with a product containing a different mode of action to avoid downy mildew fungicide resistance. 

 

Further information 

  • Agrochemicals registered for use in Australian viticulture, commonly known as the ‘Dog book’ 

 

Acknowledgements 

The fungicide resistance testing work has been supported by the SAAFE CRC whose activities are funded by the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centre Programme. 

The AWRI thanks Mark Sosnowski and Ismail Ismail from SARDI and Lincoln Harper and Fran Lopez Ruiz from Curtin University for their review. 

This eBulletin is supported by Wine Australia with levies from Australia’s grapegrowers and winemakers and matching funds from the Australian Government. AWRI is a member of the Wine Innovation Cluster in Adelaide, SA. 

Agrochemical update – Avoiding fungicide resistance in powdery mildew

24 October 2025 >

24 October 2025

Fungicide resistance in powdery mildew puts both crop quality and costs at risk this season and beyond.

This eBulletin outlines why powdery mildew fungicide resistance is a problem, how to recognise, test for, and manage it.  

About powdery mildew  

Powdery mildew is one of the most important diseases of grapevines in Australia. The disease is caused by the fungus Erysiphe necator, which affects green grapevine tissue. When the following set of conditions arise, powdery mildew can become a problem:  

What is fungicide resistance in powdery mildew and why does it matter? 

Powdery mildew can develop resistance to fungicides when the fungus Erysiphe necator changes genetically over time, making fungicides less effective or even ineffective at controlling it.  

Fungicide resistance is a problem for winegrape growers because it can lead to:  

  • fewer effective tools to manage the disease;  
  • the need for more frequent or varied fungicide applications;  
  • environmental issues; 
  • negative public opinion; 
  • higher production costs;  
  • greater crop losses; and 
  • possible fruit rejection. 

Read more about how fungicide resistance occurs and how to avoid it in this new fact sheet here. 

 How do you know if you have resistance to powdery mildew fungicides? 

If you are applying fungicides each year and the incidence and severity of powdery mildew in your vineyard seems to be getting worse, you may have fungicide resistance or reduced sensitivity. 

Powdery mildew fungicide resistance detections in Australian vineyards 

Recent research led by South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), a research division of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), has confirmed the detection of powdery mildew fungicide resistance to several fungicide groups commonly used in vineyards.   

Active ingredient  Fungicide Activity Group  Resistance status 
difenoconazole  3  Not detected 
penconazole  3  Detected 
tetraconazole  3  Not detected 
spiroxamine  5  Not detected 
boscalid  7  Not detected 
pydiflumetofen  7  Not detected 
azoxystrobin  11  Detected 
pyraclostrobin  11  Detected 
proquinazid  13  Detected 
quinoxyfen  13  Detected 
pyriofenone  50 (U8)  Not detected 

Source: South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) 

While only one representative formulation per active ingredient was evaluated as part of this research, a range of registered products for each of the above active ingredients can be found in Table 2 of the 2025/26 Agrochemicals registered for use in Australian viticulture, commonly known as the ‘Dog book’. A full list of detections from this research can be found on page 18 in the 2025/26 ‘Dog book’. 

 How can you test for powdery mildew resistance? 

If you suspect you may have fungicide resistance in powdery mildew, a free national testing service to monitor fungicide resistance in powdery mildew, downy mildew and botrytis in winegrapes is available (until June 2027).  

Samples for powdery mildew resistance testing can be submitted to the SARDI Horticulture Pathology Laboratory by following the detailed sampling instructions here.  Biosecurity considerations apply. Prior to sending samples to the laboratory, please contact ismail.ismail@sa.gov.au.  

This testing service is part of a research project led by SARDI in collaboration with Curtin University and the AWRI, and funded by Wine Australia, the Cooperative Research Centre for Solving Antimicrobial Resistance in Agribusiness, Food, and Environments (SAAFE CRC), SARDI and Curtin University.  

Importance of spray program management 

Overuse of the same fungicide groups as part of a spray program is a key contributor to the development of powdery mildew fungicide resistance.  

One of the key information sources provided annually in the ‘Dog book’ to assist you in reducing powdery mildew fungicide resistance is the CropLife Australia resistance management strategy on page 17.  

Before you order your chemical products for the new season, review this strategy alongside your proposed spray program. In particular, take note: 

  • of the fungicide group associated with each product you plan to apply; 
  • that all powdery mildew fungicide groups must be applied preventatively before disease is present;  
  • of which fungicide groups must be applied as part of a co-formulation or tank-mixed with an alternative fungicide group when applied consecutively – Groups 7 and 11;  
  • that some fungicide groups (e.g., Group 11) exhibit cross-resistance among their members, meaning that changing the product or active ingredient within the same group does not contribute to effective resistance management; 
  • of the suggested maximum number of times each fungicide group be applied in the season; and 
  • of whether the fungicide group can be applied as a consecutive spray in the program – Groups 3, 5, 13, 19, 21, 50 (U8) and U6. 

Note that some fungicide groups and/or products are restricted or prohibited from use by some wineries or grape suppliers. Refer to Table 2 in the ‘Dog book’ and your winery/grape purchaser’s guidelines before you spray. 

In addition to reading the CropLife Australia resistance management strategies, always read chemical labels prior to spray application, to ensure you are applying the correct treatment rate. 

 Further information 

The AWRI is currently developing a new guide for powdery mildew management. Look out for it in an upcoming eBulletin.  

Currently available resources on powdery mildew and fungicide resistance include: 

  • Agrochemicals registered for use in Australian viticulture, the ‘Dog book’ 

 Acknowledgements 

The fungicide resistance testing work has been supported by the SAAFE CRC whose activities are funded by the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centre Programme. 

The AWRI thanks Mark Sosnowski and Ismail Ismail from SARDI and Lincoln Harper and Fran Lopez Ruiz from Curtin University for their review. 

This eBulletin is supported by Wine Australia with levies from Australia’s grapegrowers and winemakers and matching funds from the Australian Government. AWRI is a member of the Wine Innovation Cluster in Adelaide, SA. 

Agrochemical update – How to ‘rest’ vineyards with ethephon

7 October 2025 >

7 October 2025

Are you aiming to ‘rest’ your vineyard block this season by removing yield and reducing water, nutrition and spray inputs? Find out how, when and where you can apply Ethephon for best results and permit compliance.

What is ethephon and how does it work

Ethephon is a plant growth regulator. It can be sprayed on to grapevines in spring to significantly reduce grape yield. It does this by causing undeveloped berries to detach from the rachis.

Application details

Ethephon for bunch removal must be applied in strict accordance with APVMA Permit PER94008.

Timing
     
  • Apply between E-L 25 (80% capfall) and E-L 27 (fruit set: young berries enlarging (>2 mm diameter), bunch at right angles to stem). The most effective fruit removal has been seen from application at E-L 27a.
  • DO NOT apply unless the wind speed is between 3 and 20 kilometres per hour at the application site during the time of application.
  • DO NOT apply in a manner that may cause contamination outside the application site from spray drift.
  • DO NOT apply if heavy rains or storms are forecast within 3 days.
Number of applications
  • Up to 2 applications permitted between E-L 25 and E-L 27, at least 7 days apart. It is unlikely that 2 applications will be needed in most circumstances.
Water rate
  • Apply at a dilute spray rate to the point of run-off with a non-ionic wetting agent at label rate.
Product label rate
  • According to the permit –
    • for 900 g/L Ethephon products, apply at a label rate between 32-104 mL/100 L
    • for 720 g/L Ethephon products, apply at a label rate between 40-130 mL/100 L
    • for 480 g/L Ethephon products, apply at a label rate between 63-190 mL/100 L
Target zone
  • Apply to the full canopy unless there is a defined bunch zone where spray application can be targeted to saturate the bunches.
Equipment
  • Apply using an air-blast sprayer.
  • Thoroughly clean spray unit after applying Ethephon to ensure all residue is removed before use on non-target vines.
Jurisdiction
  • Under the permit, Ethephon may be applied in all Australian states and territories.
Grazing restriction
  • Do not graze any vineyard block treated with Ethephon.
Carryover
  • Minimal carryover effects on yield were found in the year following that in which one or two Ethephon applications were applied. Effects on other varieties were not measured a.

a Results of research trials completed across the 2023 and 2025 vintages by the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) on one block of Shiraz in the Riverland.

More information

Acknowledgements
This eBulletin is supported by Wine Australia with levies from Australia’s grapegrowers and winemakers and matching funds from the Australian Government. AWRI is a member of the Wine Innovation Cluster in Adelaide, SA.

September 2025 Technical Review available now

30 September 2025 >

30 September 2025

Technical Review is the AWRI’s own technical publication, which includes updates on AWRI research and a curated selection of the most recent grape and wine literature recommended by AWRI Emeritus Fellow Dr Peter Dry and Engagement Specialist Matt Holdstock.

Access the full September issue of Technical Review online, or view a small selection of our recommendations from this issue below:

AWRI publications

  • Astringent effects of red wine associated with responses of aquaporins found in human tongue and salivary tissues. [Read full-text online] Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
  • Grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV) in a historical germplasm collection in south-eastern Australia. [Read full-text online] OENO One
  • Quantitation of polysulfides in wine, beer and cider by HPLC-MS/MS after solid-phase extraction. [Read abstract online] [Request copy from AWRI Library] Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
  • A response to Pinot Noir clonal genotyping has detected anomalies with both Abel and Pommard. [Read full-text online] Australian & New Zealand Grapegrower & Winemaker
  • Robust, automated quantification of proline in wine. [Read full-text online] Food Chemistry

Viticulture

  • Applications of biochar in viticulture [Read full-text online] iVES Technical Reviews, vine and wine
  • From soil to canopy: the diversity of adaptation strategies to drought in grapevine [Read full-text online] OENO One
  • Morphological image analysis for estimating grape bunch weight under different irrigation regimes in Cabernet-Sauvignon [Read full-text online] OENO One
  • Shading nets: A current viticultural strategy to mitigate the negative impacts of global warming on grape and wine quality [Read full-text online] Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research
  • Using Artificial intelligence for automatic and fast detection of downy mildew symptoms in grapevine canopies [Read full-text online] European Journal of Agronomy

Sustainability

  • Building a sustainable future for the wine industry [Request copy from AWRI Library] Harpers Wine & Spirit
  • Environmental sustainability of wine sector: A focus on pesticide management [Read full-text online] Environmental Impact Assessment Review
  • Evaluation of the effect of different soil surface treatments in the vineyard inter-row on the CO2 emissions [Read full-text online] Agronomy
  • Greener vineyards, happier employees: Unveiling the power of green HRM in sustainable winemaking [Book chapter] [Read abstract online] [Access copy from AWRI Library online] Support Networks for Entrepreneurs: Social Capital and Strategic Collaborations
  • Transforming winemaking waste: grape pomace as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds [Read full-text online] OENO One

Oenology

  • Aroma retention and sensory characteristics of low- and no-alcohol wines: Influence of reverse osmosis pressure and ethanol concentration [Read abstract online] [Request copy from AWRI Library] Journal of Food Science
  • Dimethyl sulfide transfers through closure during accelerated model wine ageing: proof-of-concept & prospects [Read full-text online] Current Research in Food Science
  • The effect of organic fining agents on the elemental composition of young Cabernet Sauvignon wine [Read abstract online] [Request copy from AWRI Library] Journal of Food Composition and Analysis
  • Pre-harvest microbial Interventions: Impact on disease prevention, fermentation dynamics, and wine aroma in grape cultivation [Read full-text online] Current Research in Food Science
  • Wine pH could affect the interaction between yeast mannoproteins and flavanolic compounds [Read full-text online] Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture

Australian winemakers and grapegrowers can visit the library catalogue to view abstracts and request the latest non-open access journal articles and books from the John Fornachon Memorial Library, free of charge. While you are there, check out the library’s database containing more than 765 immediately available digital journals and magazines, and set up alerts to be notified about new issues or key topics of interest to you.

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If you have any questions or require assistance, contact us at infoservices@awri.com.au.
 

Acknowledgments

This work is supported by Wine Australia, with levies from Australia’s grapegrowers and winemakers and matching funds from the Australian Government. AWRI is a member of the Wine Innovation Cluster in Adelaide, SA.