By Clint Thompson The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed cancellation of mancozeb is a potential threat to the grape industry in the Southeast. According to the University of Georgia Extension Viticulture Blog, Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist, encourages growers to submit a letter to the EPA concerning this potential action. The deadline for comments has …
Spotted Lanternfly’s Potential to Transmit PD a Problem for Georgia Grape Producers
By Clint Thompson The potential of spotted lanternfly (SLF) to transmit Pierce’s disease (PD) is a problem for Georgia grape producers. That’s because the insect will eventually make its way to Georgia, believes Phil Brannen, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “It’s another thing that may be able to vector Pierce’s disease. This is very early in …
Disease-Resistant Wine Grapes Could Be Boon for Florida’s Viticulture
Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are harvesting their first crop of potentially disease-resistant wine grapes in Florida. The first crop at UF/IFAS’s Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra, Florida, of Pierce’s disease-resistant grapes showed no signs of disease. The grape variety was developed by the University of California Davis, and …
Grape Producers Remain Diligent with Fungicide Spray Applications
By Clint Thompson University of Georgia (UGA) Extension advises grape producers to remain diligent with their fungicide applications. Phil Brannen, UGA Extension fruit disease specialist, discussed disease management, with harvests slated to commence soon across the region. “We’re starting to see some downy mildew coming out right now, so we are getting some disease as we’re looking towards the latter …
Disease Management: Grape Producers Must Be Timely with Fungicide Sprays
A saturated spring has North Georgia grape producers concerned about disease management with harvest season on the horizon. Sarah Lowder, University of Georgia viticulture Extension specialist, discussed some of the diseases growers have dealt with over the past few months. “Especially with how wet this year has been, we’re trying to keep on top of our downy mildew management,” Lowder …
Sprayer Management Important for Southeast Grape Producers
By Clint Thompson Sprayer management is an essential part of disease management for grape producers in the Southeast. As costly as fungicides can be, growers must be as efficient as possible with their spray applications, says Sarah Lowder, University of Georgia viticulture Extension specialist. “You can’t get good disease management if you don’t have good spray coverage,” Lowder said. “Where …
Disease Management for Georgia Grapes
By Clint Thompson It is not quite time for grape producers to be wary of key diseases for the upcoming production season. But the time is coming, believes Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. “We’re not as critical with disease management, though don’t discount, we need stuff on there for diseases. But the real critical phase …
Pruning’s Importance for Grape Producers
By Clint Thompson It is time for an important management practice for grape producers in the Southeast. Sarah Lowder, University of Georgia viticulture Extension specialist, discussed the importance of pruning and what strategies growers should consider when managing their vines. “It’s one of the most important practices that you’ll do. It will set your crop potential for the following year,” …
UF/IFAS Research Creates New Recipe Using Muscadine Grapes
Florida’s native grapes, the muscadine, has long held a reputation for being an acquired taste. Juicy and sweet with a leathery, thick skin and bitter seeds, the grape is typically reserved for specialty stores and wine making. Not only are these grapes delicious – they’re also a superfood, packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. The challenge was getting consumers to accept …
UF/IFAS Research: Muscadine Grapes Get New Recipe for Success from Specialists
Florida’s native grape, the muscadine, has long held a reputation for being an acquired taste. Juicy and sweet with a leathery, thick skin and bitter seeds, the grape is typically reserved for specialty stores and wine making. Not only are these grapes delicious – they’re also a superfood, packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. The challenge was getting consumers to …