Agrothermal customers participating in 2018 growing season fruit-set data collection saw a significant increase in fruit set across varietals. Thermaculture technology uses interval heat-treatments to raise the plant temperature to the levels needed for optimal fruit set and growth, even in cold, wet weather.
Red Varietals, including Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, an
d Merlot, realized an average 27 percent more berries set per bunch over control. Pinot Noir in particular rose 50 percent. White varietals, including Petite Mansang, Chardonnay and Viognier, achieved an average 12 percent increase, with Chardonnay standing out at 15 percent more berries per bunch.
Increase In Pinot Noir Berries Per Bunch
2018 Fruit Set Results for US Customers
Marty Fischer, CEO of Agrothermal Systems said, “Thermaculture can briefly simulate good, hot, dry conditions when Mother Nature gives the grower wet and cool weather. This allows our customers to manage adverse climatic conditions to create better and more even fruit set .”
“Year over year we are consistently seeing proof of this with more berries on overall healthier bunches within our customers treated blocks,” Fischer said.
Data collection for 2018 was conducted in southern and northern California, Oregon and Virginia on 18 test and control blocks. Treatments began at or prior to bud break through verasion.
Virginia experienced a particularly challenging wet season, but Thermaculture, coupled with the Agroblow fans to blow standing water off vines prior to heat-treatments, was impactful.
Daniel Mumbauer of Stone Tower Winery in said, “We’re seeing great results from our Viognier…compounded with the fact that this is the worst year I’ve ever seen.”
– Agrothermal Systems
