Conventional Viticulture

Question 1

When did conventional viticulture become common?

Answer 1

Second half of 20th century

Question 2

Advantages that conventional viticulture offered at the time?

Answer 2

• intensive fruit farming
• raised yields
• reduced labor requirements

Question 3

4 key elements to conventional viticulture

Answer 3

1. mechanization
2. chemical inputs
3. irrigation
4. clonal selection

Question 4

How are vineyards kept weed free in conventional viticulture?

Answer 4

• plowings between rows
• herbicide application

Question 5

What are the advantages of monocultures?

Answer 5

• ability to mechanize work in the vineyard
• reduction of competition from other plants
• ability to tend to the specific needs of the grape variety planted (irrigation, nutrient level, treatments against hazards, pests, and diseases)
• increase yields while reducing costs

Question 6

What are the disadvantages of monocultures?

Answer 6

• plants more prone to diseases and pests (require more treatments or protection)
• nutrients can be depleted as there is no natural ecosystem to replenish nutrients (requiring more applications of fertilizers)
• from the extra treatments, residual chemicals can find their way into ground water or air, creating environmental damage

Question 7

What can be used to control pests and diseases in conventional viticulture?

Answer 7

Some agrochemical pesticides can be used: fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides