Since 2019, Hishtil has been producing grafted grapevine liners using the Green Grafting method for wine and table grape vineyards across Israel. "Following three years of commercial harvests from these plantings and the establishment of thousands more vineyard acres in all major growing regions, we take pride in the success and pioneering impact of the Green Grafting revolution in Israel's viticulture industry", the Israeli the Israeli liner and young plant producer says.
"Our Green Grafting method is transforming vineyard cultivation in Israel, setting a new standard for grapevine propagation. For the first time, this method enables year-round propagation of grapevines from virus-free and disease-free mother blocks, providing growers with vigorous liners that exhibit enhanced growth potential and optimal yield performance."
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Advantages of Green Grafting What are the advantages? "Green Grafting method offers multiple advantages. Propagation material is maintained under strict sanitary conditions and routinely tested for viruses. The graft union between the rootstock and scion is carefully optimized for superior integration, and the plants develop a strong, well-balanced root system, allowing for early planting at a young stage. In the vineyard, Green Grafting liners establish rapidly and uniformly, leading to faster vineyard development and optimal canopy formation for the first harvest. High-quality yields can be achieved from the very first harvest, with improved water-use efficiency. Additionally, the streamlined planting process significantly reduces labor costs for growers."
Grapevine Liner Technology According to Hishtil, they are leading a revolution in grapevine propagation with their advanced, greenhouse-based multiplication technology. "As a global leader in grafted vegetable liner production and managing mother blocks for vegetative propagation, we have leveraged our extensive expertise and precise production systems to develop and industrialize grapevine grafting." At the core of this innovation is a collaboration with the Wine Grapevine Council, which facilitated the import of virus-free and pest-free wine grape rootstocks and scions. These were introduced into Hishtil's designated quarantine greenhouse, underwent initial multiplication, and were used to develop protocols for establishing mother blocks, grafting, and the rooting of green cuttings.
Hishtil's expertise in propagation and grafting across multiple crops—ranging from liners to cuttings of vegetables, herbs, and ornamental plants—combined with its advanced production infrastructure, has allowed the company to overcome numerous challenges that previously limited large-scale commercial adoption of Green Grafting in Israel and worldwide. "This method enables propagation and liner production under stringent phytosanitary conditions previously unavailable in the grapevine sector, utilizing uniform juvenile propagation material to ensure rapid and high-quality graft union formation and rooting. The hardening process is conducted under controlled conditions, ensuring optimized irrigation, fertilization, and plant protection regimes at the highest standards."
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The benefits of this approach are significant, they continue. "Propagation material is sourced from certified, rigorously monitored mother blocks that meet the highest quality standards. Production takes place under strict sanitary conditions with rigorous quality control, ensuring consistent growth and reliable liner supply. A broad selection of grape varieties is readily available for immediate propagation, and the liners demonstrate rapid establishment in the field, simplifying the planting process for growers. Additionally, protective cardboard sleeves provided with the liners offer enhanced protection during herbicide applications. This technology enables growers to cultivate healthier, more resilient vineyards while improving overall vineyard success rates."
Disease and virus-free propagation Maintaining grapevine health and freedom from viruses is critical to successful vineyard establishment. "One of the most significant threats in Israel's viticulture sector is Grapevine Leafroll Virus 3 (GLRaV-3), which causes leaf curl disease and can lead to yield losses of 30–50%. Hishtil addresses this challenge by maintaining virus-free foundation blocks, primary mother blocks, and certified mother blocks, significantly reducing infection risks and ensuring the supply of healthy, virus-free liners."
"The production chain begins with isolated and controlled foundation blocks from which propagation material is taken to establish the primary mother blocks. Regular laboratory testing of propagation material ensures the cleanliness and quality of the entire production chain leading to the certified mother blocks, which serve as the source for rootstocks and scions. Grafting, union formation, and hardening take place in Integrated Production (IP) greenhouses under strict standards—similar to those used for high-value grafted vegetable and herb liners."
"Additionally, proper weed management protocols for planting sites, precise liner placement relative to irrigation emitters, and pre-winter establishment strategies allow growers to cultivate healthy, uniform vineyards with structured canopy management and high-yield potential. By following these best practices, growers can ensure optimal vine establishment and long-term vineyard performance."
Summary and future outlook: Hishtil is introducing innovative approaches to viticulture by integrating technology with a focus on quality and sustainability. Through Green Grafting technology and controlled mother block cultivation, the company offers solutions to key industry challenges. These methods aim to produce healthier liners, improve vineyard productivity, and reduce reliance on chemical treatments, supporting more sustainable viticulture practices.
The benefits of Hishtil's approach are evident at every stage of vineyard development. "Green Grafting liners establish quickly in the field, ensuring a clean start free from viruses and diseases. Their improved adaptability to diverse climatic conditions and superior yield potential contribute to increased fruit quality and economic benefits for growers. However, for optimal results, growers must ensure proper site preparation, precise planting according to Hishtil's guidelines, and daily monitoring during the first week after planting."
According to Hishtil, this pioneering work is not only transforming viticulture but also securing a sustainable future for grape production in Israel and beyond.
For more information:
Hishtil Ltd.
Email: info@hishtil.com
www.hishtil.com