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 …
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 …
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 …
Warmer Temperatures Not Good for Pierce’s Disease Control in Grapes
By Clint Thompson Unseasonably warm temperatures have one University of Georgia plant pathologist concerned about the impact on Pierce’s disease in grapes. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Extension fruit disease specialist, discussed the potential dire situation facing some grape producers. “The concern I have on grapes, especially the European wine grapes in North Georgia, is with these warm temperatures we’re …
UF/IFAS Scientists Finding Grapes to Grow in Florida
Florida farmers and other businesspeople are bubbling with enthusiasm to make wine. There are about 40 wineries around Florida. As of 2017, growers in the Sunshine State were producing more than 1,500 acres of muscadine grapes. That’s a 74% increase in 10 years, and producers will be harvesting in July and August. To meet the increasing market for Florida-grown grapes, Ali Sarkhosh, …
UF/IFAS Scientists Finding Grapes to Grow in Florida
Florida farmers and other businesspeople are bubbling with enthusiasm to make wine. There are about 40 wineries around Florida. As of 2017, growers in the Sunshine State were producing more than 1,500 acres of muscadine grapes. That’s a 74% increase in 10 years, and producers will be harvesting in July and August. To meet the increasing market for Florida-grown grapes, …
Grapes of Wrath: Wet Summer Impacting Fruit Development, Quality
By Clint Thompson Like other crops produced in Georgia and Alabama, grapes are not immune to the impact of the excessive rains being experienced across the Southeast this summer. They are impacting production, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Fruit Disease Specialist. “It’s wet. We’ve definitely had plenty of rain, very little drying time. It seems like it …
Growers Beware: Manage Drosophila, Sour Rot in Georgia Grapes
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension reminds grape producers that the time is now to plan their spotted wing drosophila management (SWD). It will help suppress sour rot disease in grapes that are vulnerable. The SWD flies are active year-round but are an extreme pest when grapes approach veraison or begin to ripen. The brix levels in wine grapes can reach …
Georgia Grapes Benefiting from Dry Weather
By Clint Thompson What’s left of Georgia’s wine grape production is benefiting from the hot and dry weather conditions. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Fruit Disease Specialist, said the lack of rainfall has prevented grape diseases from being an issue so far this season. “Right now, the grapes in general, and I’m talking about the wine grapes that …