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A team from Weincampus Neustadt is testing viticulture with Piwi grape varieties in the East African country of Rwanda. A delegation of viticulture experts and students visited three farms with representatives of the Rwandan Ministry of Agriculture and the Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB) to offer viticulture training for local farmers. The aim was to impart know-how on cultivating vines, dealing with pests and fungal diseases as well as classic trellis training. In the process, the project group from Germany handed over the certified Piwi grape varieties "Muskat bleu" and "Birstaler Muskat" to the RAB. They are expected to withstand the tropical conditions. The experiences could also provide valuable insights for their handling in German wine-growing regions.
The project group also visited a farm in Rulindo. In a newly designed vineyard at an altitude of 2,200 metres, a new plantation of about 4 ha is currently being built. Here, the first row of vines was planted together. However, the older vines on the farm, which basically thrive in the tropical climate, are currently damaged by severe fungal infestation. In addition, many cultivated areas are threatened by erosion. Prof. Dr. Jochen Bogs from the Neustadt wine campus speaks of a "unique opportunity" to examine the use of piwis under the extreme conditions in Rwanda. Thanks to the expertise of the specialists who travelled with them, approaches to improving the situation on site were found.
(uka / Photo: Weincampus Neustadt)