2004 Research Reports
Reducing Methoxypyrazine in Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon Wine in the Cellar. A Progress Report
Dr. G. Stanley Howell
Objectives: The primary objective is to reduce the level of IBMP to a level below human threshold as the perceived "green-ness" is interpreted as "unripe" regardless of the crop's physiological maturity. Since we anticipate that an array of cellar practices may influence the quantity and expression of IBMP, we will employ a variety of approaches that have either shown some promise in preliminary efforts in our research cellar, suggestion from other scientists, suggestions from industry persons.
Viticultural Evaluation of Cultivars, Advanced Selections and Clones for Climatic Adaptation, Yield and Fruit Composition
Dr. G. Stanley Howell
Objectives: The economics of successful wine grape production in Michigan are dependent upon two critical conditions: a) the effective selection and culture of cultivars with marginal cold hardiness and insect and disease resistance for very high quality wines; and b) the selection and culture of cultivars with considerable resistance to these abiotic and biotic stresses which can provide consistent production of sound, good quality wines. The former are crucial for Michigan to be seriously considered as a fine wine-producing region, and the latter are crucial to ensure that we will have consistent, annual production that can yield adequate cash-flow and economic survival.
Crop Estimation and Sampling to Achieve Optimal Fruit Maturity and Quality Under Michigan Conditions
Dr. G. Stanley Howell
Objectives: Develop a protocol for defining crop level. This will allow the vineyardist to assess crop status within the limits of the fluctuations occurring each annual production cycle. The reasons for this effort include: 1. To stay within tonnage limits required by fruit buyers; 2. To ensure that grape quality/maturity targets can be met; and 3. To ensure that vines' production potential for next season is not compromised due to excess crop level.
Wine Production Assessment of Grape Cultivars, Clones and Advanced Selections from Plots in Southwestern and Northwestern Michigan State University
Dr. G. Stanley Howell
Objectives: The primary objective of this effort is to find untested cultivars, clones of valued cultivars, and new breeding selections that can produce good wine when grown in Michigan.
Integrating Approaches to Meet Insect Management Challenges in Michigan Vineyards
Dr. Rufus Isaacs
Objectives: 1. Determine the effectiveness of reduced-risk insecticides on grape pests and their impact on biocontrol agents in vineyard-scale trials. 2. Optimize sprayer technology to improve coverage of grape clusters. 3. Characterize relationship between cluster coverage and control of grape pests.
Efficacy of Sulfur and Lime Sulfur in Reducing Phomopsis Cane and Leaf Spot of Grapes
Dr. Annemiek Schilder
Abstract: Dormant applications of sulfur and lime sulfur were tested for efficacy in controlling Phomopsis cane and leaf spot in vineyards of 'Niagara', 'Seyval' and 'Vignoles' grapes. Products were applied once at bud swell and compared to other fungicides as well as a full-season fungicide program and as an untreated control. Both sulfur and lime sulfur significantly reduced Phomopsis symptoms (~40-70%) on the foliage and the fruit and rachis at harvest. Sulfur was generally as effective as lime sulfur at about 1/10 the cost (~$4/acre). Copper products were also effective. Both sulfur and lime sulfur reduced spore release and spore viability.
A Strategic Screening Program for IR-4 Registration of Insecticides in Grape
Dr. John C. Wise
Abstract: In August of 1996 President Clinton signed into law the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA). This law is likely to result in the elimination of many of the conventional pesticides traditionally relied upon for grape production. The USDA IR-4 project serves as the primary avenue that new pesticides can be registered for minor-use crops. The MSU Trevor Nichols Research Complex is capable of conducting GLP field residue trials for IR-4. Because of this a strategic grape-pest chemical screening program has been established to identify promising new insecticide candidates for IR-4, and to assure active involvement in the IR-4 prioritization process.
Read an article explaining this study
Development and Evaluation of Crown Gall-Free (Agrobacterium vitis) 'White Riesling', 'Chardonnay' and 'Cabernet Franc' Grapevines
Dr. Thomas J. Zabadal
Abstract: A frequent and devastating secondary effect of winter injury to grapevines is the development of the disease known as Crown Gall. To combat this problem, this project has developed Crown Gall-free grapevines. Beginning about six years ago, tissues were cultured and grown into full-sized grapevines, which were planted in a remote, viticulturally-virgin site at SWMREC for the first time in 2004. These special grapevines will be used to research important questions. How long can these grapevines remain free of this disease when planted on old and new vineyard sites? Will the absence of Crown Gall in these grapevines greatly reduce the impact of winter injury on relatively cold tender wine grape varieties? Thanks to funding from the USDA Viticultural Consortium, the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council and the MSU Agricultural Experiment Station this work continues.
