Now is the time to start thinking about leaf removal in grapevines. Cluster zone leaf removal can lower risk of disease, increase spray penetration and even improve fruit quality. The period immediately after bloom to 3 weeks post-bloom is the most effective time for leaf removal. Leaf pulling after this time can increase the risk[Read More…]
Shoots are at various stages of development across the state with some primary shoots at or near bloom. The most important time of the year for fruit disease control is from pre-bloom to 4-5 weeks past fruit set. The potential for fruit infection drops significantly 4-5 weeks post-bloom. Important diseases to control during this time[Read More…]
The periodical cicada (Figure 1) emergence is expected to begin shortly. Female cicadas lay eggs in 200+ woody tree species (Figure 2), and they have a strong preference for grapevines, apples, cherries, peaches, & plums. Egg laying can weaken and damage branches, causing them to turn brown, die, and break off. The loss of branches[Read More…]
In collaboration with viticulture and enology extension programs at: Ohio State University, University of Maryland, Rutgers University, North Carolina State University, University of Georgia, University of Tennessee, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Colorado State University, New Mexico State University, Iowa State University, Purdue University, University of Minnesota, Michigan State University, and University of Wisconsin _____________________________________________________________________ Regional[Read More…]
Grapevines are in various stages of early growth throughout Indiana, ranging from bud swell to 2-4 in shoot growth. A cold weather event came across the state from 4/20-4/22 bringing temperatures as low as 27 F. Damage is still being assessed, but if significant primary bud damage occurs we will expect to see emergence of[Read More…]
Spring temperatures and the season so far It seems like it’s been warm and that we’re way ahead of normal. But the data paint a slightly different picture. First, let’s not talk too much about “normal”. In the last 10 years or so that I’ve been plotting these data, EVERY year has been warmer than[Read More…]