Vineyards embrace frost protection (NZ)

Frost protection in Marlborough vineyards has increased substantially in the past few years, diminishing the likelihood of damage to grapes, Plant and Food Research senior scientist Mike Trought says. In 2007, Marlborough’s wine industry was hit by an autumn frost followed by heavy rain, resulting in soggy leaves that then got mixed with the fruit, Dr Trought said. He estimated there were now 1500 frost fans in Marlborough vineyards, compared to fewer than 100 about nine years ago, reports The Marlborough Express.