A new smartphone app has been developed to help grape growers determine the water status of their vines.
The app uses a thermal camera attached to the phone to take images of the grapevine canopy which are analysed to determine if the vines are under water stress.
The South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) says water stress has the potential reduce the yield and quality of grapes and the resulting wine, reducing the returns to growers.
The app is being trialled at 15 vineyards across South Australia, Victoria, NSW and Tasmania.
SARDI acting executive director Kathy Ophel-Keller says it offers grape growers instant feedback on the water status of their vines.
"Water and associated pumping costs can be a significant component of the production costs for grape growers," she said.
"The manager of vine water status is a key tool for grape growers to regulate yield and optimise fruit quality and style."
