To appreciate why it’s so important to remove grow tubes in the fall, we first have to understand the original function of grow tubes. Grow tubes are designed to absorb heat from sunlight, creating a warmer-than-ambient environment inside the tube during daylight hours. Originally called “tree shelters,” grow tubes have been used since around 1979. They originated from a shade …

This is our last statewide grape scouting report for the season. This year has been a good year for wine, juice and table grape production. We wish the processors and winemakers successful production. Stay tuned for our conference programs this winter. Statewide, sugar levels have been increasing at or ahead of the recent average dates. In southern Michigan, acid levels …

After grape harvest ends, there are a handful of key tasks grape growers can do to get the vineyard and equipment into shape before winter. With the exception of equipment cleaning, the rest of these tasks are on an “as needed” basis and will not be necessary for all growers. These include one final fungicide spray if needed, fall weed …

Niagara juice grape harvest is underway in southwest Michigan. Statewide, sugar levels have been increasing at or ahead of the recent average dates. In southern Michigan, acid levels have been slow to come down for many grape varieties. This has resulted in some early ripening varieties measuring very high sugar levels before the acid levels indicate they are ready for …

Statewide (with Tim Martinson, Senior Extension Association, Cornell Agritech) Cornell University — From 9/7 to our sample date of 9/13, maximum daily temperatures at Geneva ranged between 78-81 °F, with nighttime lows in the low to mid 50s. Two rainy days (9/8 and 9/9) dropped 0.8 in of rain. The rest of the week was overcast to sunny. In other words, it …

In southwest Michigan, harvest is continuing this week. Early hybrid wine grapes such as Marquette are being picked now. Harvest of some white vinifera varieties such as Sauvignon blanc is expected to begin by the end of the week. Crop adjustment work is finished and veraison in most of the varieties are completed in northwestern Michigan. (Pinot noir 10%0, Merlot …

Two recent press releases issued by the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the arrival of the invasive Spotted Lanternfly (SLF; Lycorma deliatula) in Cuyahoga County, Ohio and the first detection of SLF in Indiana. The following statement was released yesterday from the Ohio Department of Agriculture: Spotted Lanternfly Found in Cuyahoga County ODA …

In southwest Michigan, most varieties have completed veraison. Harvest is continuing this week on early wine grape varieties being picked for sparkling wine. Some early hybrid varieties such as Marquette will be picked soon for still wine production. Veraison continues in northern vineyards, and most grape varieties are softening and their acid levels are dropping. Horticulture  At this time of …

Contents of the September Issue: That Which was Lost has Been Found Growing Muscadines in Richmond, North Carolina Combating Smoke Exposure WA Wine Scientists Run Critical Studies Sustainability Leadership Awards Recognizing Leaders in Sustainable Growing The American Grapevine Grape Industry News Briefs California Indiana Michigan Minnesota New York North Carolina Washington

Muscadine grapes are widely grown in the southeastern U.S. for wine and for commercial fresh market and pick-your-own sales. Production is increasing and has expanded to other countries, especially production of fresh-market cultivars. Muscadines are resistant to some diseases that affect bunch grapes, such as downy mildew and Botrytis bunch rot, but are susceptible to a number of other diseases, …