I have been working with Fruition Sciences to monitor sap flow at Monte Bello since 2009. I value the technical and analytical skills of the Fruition team and their unique technology that monitors how a vine is responding to its environment. Most of the other sensors that are commonly used in our industry to monitor vine water use are only looking at one parameter (ie atmospheric demand or soil moisture levels); the Fruition sap flow sensors allows you to use the vine to integrate ALL of the myriad factors affecting it and tell you if it needs water. Telling when a vine really needs water after veraison has always been a grey area; since monitoring our vines at Monte Bello I have found that most irrigations in previous years were not needed. We are in an era of increasing demand on our precious water supplies, and Fruition Sciences sap flow sensors help me irrigate conservatively with confidence.

David Gates
Vice president, Vineyard operations