Masters of Viticulture Dedicated to Nurturing Quality Rootstocks for Lasting Vineyard Development
Duikerfontein is a specialised vine nursery nestled in the virus-free area of the Piketberg region. Unlike traditional vineyards, we do not produce wine. Instead, we focus on breeding and nurturing selected viticultural plant materials in the form of grafted vines and rootstocks suitable for grafting.
Vineyard owners and wine producers seeking the best foundation for their vines are invited to explore our extensive range of grafted vines from rootstocks for various climates and soil types.
Cape Riesling
Cabernet Sauvignon
Sultana Seedless
Crimson Seedless
Soil nutrition
Soil Testing: Regular soil testing helps assess nutrient levels and pH, guiding fertiliser application.
Organic Matter Addition: Incorporating compost or organic amendments improves soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability.
Fertilisation: Based on soil test results, fertilisers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium may be applied as needed. Slow-release fertilisers are often preferred to avoid nutrient leaching.
Micronutrient Management: Monitoring and correcting deficiencies of micronutrients like iron, zinc, and boron ensure healthy vine growth.
pH Adjustment: Lime or sulfur may be added to adjust soil pH to the optimal range for nutrient availability.
Cover Crops: Planting cover crops between vine rows can add organic matter, fix nitrogen, and prevent erosion, enhancing soil fertility.
Mulching: Mulching with organic materials conserves soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and gradually releases nutrients as it decomposes.
These practices promote soil health and provide vines with essential nutrients for robust growth and fruit development
ROOTSTOCK
Rootstock offers an untouched approach to rapidly respond to the changing environment and assist with the expansion of vineyard production, providing a solution to meet the growing global demand for fruit.
Rootstock selection is one of the most critical factors to optimal vineyard management as it affects growth nutrient accumulation, environmental tolerance and fruit quality of scion varieties. When it comes to choosing the right rootstock, growers must select rootstocks resistant to present and potential soil pests relevant to their unique soil texture, depth and fertility. The rootstock must also be compatible with the soil chemistry (PH, salinity and lime content) and anticipated soil water availability, drainage and irrigation practice.
At Duikerfontein, we collaborate regularly with consultants, nurserymen, and producers to ensure our offering is precisely aligned with the market’s needs.
Paulsen
Ramsey
Richter 110
Ruggeri 140
THE PROCESS
Micropropagation
Micropropagation - Plant material is harvested and initiated into the tissue culture by removing live shoots (nodes) from the DNA-tested mother stock material (explants).
- 4-6 months after initiation the plants start to multiply and form clonal plantlets. These plantlets are separated into individual plants and placed on a fresh sterile medium. The separation and multiplication process is repeated every 3-4 weeks.
- As soon as root formation is observed, the plants are transported to the greenhouse acclimatisation tunnels where they will be hardened off.
Propagation
Propagation - A Nucleus (core) vine from each candidate or registered clone is kept in a VIA-approved (Vine Improvement Association), insect-free nucleus tunnel where multiplication is tested for virus-free plant material with high phytosanitary status – compliant with the rules and regulations for certified plant material.
- Virus-free rootstocks and grafted vines are established in foundation blocks in virus- and insect-free isolated regions for further testing. Rootstocks from the foundation blocks are cut into 30cm lengths for disbudding to take place. Scion material from foundation blocks and mother blocks is harvested and kept separate, ready for grafting and callusing.
- Grafted foundation material will be planted in foundation blocks in virus free regions for the establishment of mother blocks.
Upkeep Of Plant Material
Upkeep Of Plant Material Nucleus, foundation and mother block sources are inspected continuously.
Distribution
Distribution All plant material is sold as “SA Certified” under the Duikerfontein Vine Nursery trademark.