7 October 2025
Are you aiming to ‘rest’ your vineyard block this season by removing yield and reducing water, nutrition and spray inputs? Find out how, when and where you can apply Ethephon for best results and permit compliance.
What is ethephon and how does it work
Ethephon is a plant growth regulator. It can be sprayed on to grapevines in spring to significantly reduce grape yield. It does this by causing undeveloped berries to detach from the rachis.
Application details
Ethephon for bunch removal must be applied in strict accordance with APVMA Permit PER94008.
Timing | |
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Equipment | |
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Grazing restriction | |
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Carryover | |
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a Results of research trials completed across the 2023 and 2025 vintages by the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) on one block of Shiraz in the Riverland.
More information
- APVMA Permit PER94008 is in force from 21 July 2025 to 31 July 2030.
- SARDI Fact sheet: ‘Resting Vineyards using Ethephon: A Cost-Saving Strategy when Grapes are in Oversupply’.
- AWRI Webinar delivered by Paul Petrie (SARDI): Vineyard Resting – Webinar
- AWRI helpdesk – call 08 8313 6600, or email helpdesk@awri.com.au.
Acknowledgements
This eBulletin is supported by Wine Australia with levies from Australia’s grapegrowers and winemakers and matching funds from the Australian Government. AWRI is a member of the Wine Innovation Cluster in Adelaide, SA.