More than 8 ha of commercial table grapes had been planted in the region by October 1993 and over 100 ha could be in production by 1997. The following conclusions have been reached from the five years research. Climate The climate in Carnarvon is ideal for producing a select range of table grape varieties. Heat waves are rare before mid-November, ensuring top quality fruit with minimum losses due to sunburn. The chemical hydrogen cyanamide must be applied to recently pruned vines to achieve uniform budburst and early ripening.
Windbreaks are essential for top quality fruit.
Living windbreaks such as Casuarina cunninghamiana are effective, but you must plant them at least 15 m from the nearest vine. The entire vineyard must be enclosed in netting to protect the crop from birds. 23261 gives details. Time of harvest Varieties can be chosen that are harvested from 1 November to 25 December each season, a period of low supply and high prices throughout Australia. Late December to late January is also a period of low supply on south east Asian markets, corresponding with the end of the northern hemisphere season.