Nicola Cooley

Title : Impacts of both water deficits and seasonal influence on berry development and composition of Cabernet Sauvignon (Vitis vinifera L.) grown in a hot climate

Abstract:

There is a rising trend to impose deficit irrigation in vineyards of the inland growing districts of Australia where hot climates dominate. Impacts of the water deficit practice across seasons on Cabernet Sauvignon (Vitis vinifera L.) wine grapes will be presented. Vine physiological impacts will be discussed alongside berry development, berry juice composition and wine chemical analysis. Impacts of these findings for the industry will be discussed and may be relevant to understanding some future climate change impacts.

Biography:

I have been researching into the impacts of climate change on both environmental and production systems for the past 20 years. I am interested in plant stress responses, viticulture and wine production. Currently I manage the Higher Education Agriculture and Technology program at Melbourne Polytechnic where degrees and industry relevant short programs are taught. I am an Honorary Fellow (Affiliate Staff) at La Trobe University and an Honorary Fellow Melbourne University. The work presented here is based on collaboration with the Australian government organization, CSIRO Agriculture, SA Australia.