FAQ: Frequently asked questions

What is the Plant Cell Density Index (PCD)?

PCD, also known as the Simple Ratio Index, is a well-known remote sensing index used to characterise the relative health and biomass status of vegetation. Healthy, vigorous vine biomass will exhibit a strong near infrared (NIR) reflectance and a very low red (R) reflectance due to chlorophyll absorption:

Plant Cell Density =  (NIR 780nm / Red 675nm)

What does this mean in the vineyard?​

	Low PCD	High PCD
Leaf and vine characterstics	Lower vigour, greater plant stress, leaf senescence, thinner canopy	Higher vigour, new shoots, green healthy leaves, fuller canopy
Fruit characteristics	Potentially lower yield and higher quality fruit composition, even berry ripeness	Potentially higher yield and lower fruit composition, uneven berry ripeness
Possible reasons	Advanced fruit maturity Water stress Nutrient deficiency Disease/pests Less favourable soil type, slope, aspect and exposure to sun	Retarded fruit maturity Greater access to water and nutrients More favourable soil type, slope, aspect and exposure to sun
	Need help interpreting your V3 Maps for field management or harvest plans? Contact us and we will refer you to your nearest precision viticulture consultant.