A new study, published in the scientific journal Neurology found that a higher intake of plant compounds known as flavonols, is associated with a 48% decreased risk of developing Alzheimer dementia. Flavonols are a type of bioactive compound found in grapes, as well as other fruits and vegetables. Flavonols are known for promoting beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Grapes of …

New Mexicans have been growing wine grapes since 1629, when Spanish monks planted vines in the Rio Grande valley near present day Socorro. Through the centuries, viticulturists have demonstrated that the state’s semi-arid climate and plentiful sunshine can be ideal for vineyards.   Wine consumption and the wine industry are thriving, adding approximately $50 million annually in tax revenue to …

Frost injury this spring has created a situation where grapes have a few primary shoots, some secondary shoots, and many non-count basal and latent shoots. This puts shoots at various stages of development and creates problems for growers. Regardless, some varieties are are at or nearing bloom on surviving primary shoots, which is a key time to control important diseases …

Powdery mildew is just starting to show up on untreated plants in the research vineyard at Blairsville, GA. The photograph below was taken today, but infections likely started occurring some time ago. I hope you will not see it yet in well managed vineyards, but recent rains and other difficulties may have hampered spray programs. When rain is occurring frequently, …

Karen Hearn is the new Vice President of Domestic Marketing for the California Table Grape Commission. Hearn’s responsibilities include leading the domestic retail team, providing strategic direction, and partnering with retailers to motivate consumer purchase of California table grapes. “Karen has long been a valuable member of the table grape team,” said Kathleen Nave, president of the commission, “and now …

Contents of the June Issue: Putting Sheep to Work in the Vineyard Online Workshops Explore Benefits of Grazing Sheep Eye on the Target Vineyard Sprayer Calibration & Coverage Raisin Crop Insurance Options Current Risk Management Options for 2020 Weed Control in the Vineyard Getting the Job Done While Satisfying Consumer Perception

INTERNATIONAL FRUIT GENETICS, LLC (IFG) has taken steps to protect its intellectual property in China. The California-based company is the sole and unique proprietor of different table grape varieties, such as IFG Six (Sweet Sapphire ™), IFG Eleven (Sugar Crisp ™), IFG Sixteen (Sweet Favors ™), and IFG Seventeen (Sweet Joy ™). In recent years, IFG has kept a close …

Contents of the May Issue: Mexico Takes Larger Share Southern CA Table Grape Growers Threatened COVID-19 Impact on the Raisin Industry Sales Remain Strong, but Uncertainty Abounds Raisin Bargaining Association Outlook Temporary Turbulence, with Blue Skies Ahead The Reality of North Coast Fires Observations From a Napa Grower

California’s 2019 grape acreage totaled 918,000 acres, down from 925,000 the year before.  Of the total grape acreage, 860,000 were bearing while 58,000 were non-bearing. The wine-type grape acreage is estimated at 635,000 acres.  Of the total acres, 590,000 were bearing and 45,000 were non-bearing.  Table-type grape acreage totaled 130,000 acres with 121,000 bearing and 9,000 non-bearing.  Acreage of raisin-type grapes …

Contents of the April Issue: Tragedy to Triumph with John Balletto Wine Grape Grower Not Discouraged by Challenges California Wine Institute Conference Wine Leaders Highlight Trade Opportunities The American Grapevine Grape Industry News Briefs Spring Vineyard Frost Protection Options for Monitoring & Mitigation