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GovtLiaison_Dir08 11/29/07 2:00 PM P GRAPE GRO WING self-sustaining population that could be tolerated without the need for regular intervention. Positives • Self-regulation: little or no inputs required • The right blend of species could provide a host of benefits (e.g., nitrogen fixa- tion, soil aeration, carbon accumulation, biodiversity services, etc.) vineyard weeds but must be well monitored. Steam/flame Steam and flame weeding techniques have been trialed extensively over a long period of time. While there is no doubt that weed control can be very effective using these systems, generating and maintaining the high temperatures required for effective control has been difficult to achieve on a commercial scale. Fuel and water consumption can be high, and flame has obvious restric- tions for use during summer from a fire- prevention standpoint. However, smaller, more portable units are now available and provide another tool for spot control of escape weeds or around sheds and other infrastructure. Positives • Control can be very effective • Good options exist for spot treatments/ infrastructure areas • Another tool in the armory Negatives • Fuel and water use on a large scale • Difficult to generate and maintain suf- ficient heat to replace other methods of control • Flame creates a fire risk Manipulation of weed or pasture populations Perhaps the least understood technique, but one that I believe offers tremen- dous potential, is the concept of ma- nipulating plant populations. Using one or more of the above techniques (and others), it may be possible to encourage a balanced population of plant diver- sity in the mid-row and under vine that provides a number of benefits without requiring significant ongoing manage- ment. The ultimate goal would be a Negatives • May be difficult to encourage the cor- rect balance • Populations may be unstable depending on seasonal variation • Competition for water No single answer Given the suite of weed control options available, it is worthwhile to note that it is rare to find an enterprise where one single method produces a satisfactory result. Most successful organic growers employ a number of these techniques. Where mechanical weed control is the only method used, growers typically have access to a number of different machines that can deal with different soil types or topography. Perception Possibly the greatest hurdle to overcome in the transition to organic systems is the shift in perception required around what constitutes beauty in a vineyard landscape. While "sanitary," manicured vineyards appeal to many as a sign of good management, getting the best out of our landscape in the future may require a shift in expectations. This is particularly so in organic systems hop- ing to leverage the benefits of a diverse ecology to produce a superior product and healthier landscape. This should not be used as an excuse for lazy farming, but if we take our cues from nature as to what constitutes beauty and functionality in a natural system, then diversity and an acceptance of some level of natural deviation from the country club ideal should be seen as a positive rather than a negative. This article is reprinted with permission from the Wine & Viticulture Journal of Australia. Author Toby Bekkers, former general manager and senior viticulturist at Paxton Vineyards in McLaren Vale, South Australia, operates his own viticulture and wine business consultancy specializing in Biodynamic and organic production. APPROVALS TTB LABEL Low per-label costs Gov't. Liaison Negotiations or Footwork Reasonable Hourly Rates TRADEMARK SEARCHES As Low as $185 Your trade names or designs are searched at the U.S. Patent Office to help establish valuable ownership or avoid costly legal liability. Over 100 years' total staff experience handling every government liaison need for industry. Phone or write for details. AgfastDriplok_Sept07 8/9/07 11:56 AM Phone: (703) 524-8200 Fax: 525-8451 TOLL-FREE 1-800-642-6564 Major Credit Cards Accepted www.trademarkinfo.com Since 1957 200 N. Glebe Rd., Suite 321 Arlington, Virginia 22203 Won't deteriorate in hot or cold weather or in harsh chemical environments. DRIPLOK™ Irrigation Dripline Holder •DripLok™ won't stretch out of shape. •Its built-in 'saddle' prohibits cutting into drip tubing. •Withstands mechanical harvesting stress. •Competitively priced. •Conveniently packaged. •Will last up to 5 years in the field. •Available in 2 sizes. For your nearest dealer, contact: Toll-Free: 877.552-4828 909.451.2299 • Fax: 909.593-8309 WINES & VINES SEPTEMBER 2012 63 CLOS PEPE