Sonoma Vineyard Technical Group Seminar – Mothballing Vineyards in a Tough Market

The Sonoma County Vineyard Technical Group will gather its members for a January meeting Kaan Kurtural on Mothballing Vineyards in a Tough Market, and Andy Casarez on Fallowing Ground. Register to attend this Zoom meeting HERE.

MOTHBALLING VINEYARDS IN A TOUGH MARKET – Kaan Kurtural, PhD

Current agricultural research on mothballing vineyards

• Pruning methods for non producing vineyards
• Canopy management options for non producing vineyards to adhere to IPM principles
• Irrigation options for non producing vineyards to adhere to IPM principles
• Mineral nutrition options for non producing vineyards to adhere to IPM principles

Current agricultural research on maintaining health and sustainability of non producing vineyards

• Components of an IPM program for non producing vineyards
• Fungicide options using conventional vs. organic vineyards that are non producing
• Harpin protein use in non producing vineyards
• Is your air blast sprayer ready to spray a different canopy?
• Weed control options for non producing vineyards

FALLOWING GROUND? – Andy Casarez, Ag. & Vineyard Conservation Coordinator, County of Sonoma

• Why it’s recommended to secure a VESCO Replant Permit before pulling vines
• Permit Extensions
• Maintaining the Property During Fallowing
• Getting Vines Back Into the Ground

Dr. Kaan Kurtural serves as the Senior Agronomy Technical Information Manager at Wilbur-Ellis Company, where he leverages his extensive expertise in plant biology, agronomy, and soil science.

After earning a Ph.D. in Plant Biology from Southern Illinois University, Dr. Kurtural began his career as an Extension Specialist at the University of Kentucky. His passion for advancing agricultural science then brought him to California, where he served as an Assistant Professor at California State University, Fresno, before advancing to an Associate Professor role at the University of California, Davis. Throughout his academic career, he has taught numerous courses and led pioneering research on specialty crops, plant physiology, and soil science.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Kaan enjoys a fulfilling personal life in Davis, CA, where he resides with his wife, Carrie, and their two sons, Anthony (13) and Dom (7). In his spare time, he relishes family moments, attends San Francisco Giants and Sacramento Kings games when he can secure tickets, and works on his 33-acre vineyard.

Andy Casarez is the Land Stewardship Division Manager for the Sonoma County Department of Agriculture, where he oversees water resource management, environmental permitting, and land conservation programs, including VESCO compliance. With over 20 years of experience in watershed restoration, erosion control, and geomorphology, Andy has managed large-scale projects across public and private lands, specializing in sediment source assessments, habitat restoration, and sustainable land use planning. His extensive expertise in environmental compliance and collaboration with diverse stakeholders makes him a key resource for vineyard sustainability and natural resource stewardship in Sonoma County.