University of Nebraska
                               Viticulture Program

  Home Feedback Contents      
      

  
 

 

NEBRASKA WINERIES
ENTOMOLOGY
GETTINGSTARTED
NEW PRESENTATIONS
NEWS
Calendar
WEATHER?
PRESENTATIONS
ACADEMIA
Publications
Research
Links
Vine Lines

News Flash! The Nebraska Grape and Winery Board’s RFP Application Instructions and Fillable Application Forms are available for download.

Simply click on the link below then 1) download it and fill it out or 2) fill it out online.

THANKS and have a great Thanksgiving Holiday!

Fillable Form and Instructions for Form


Nebraska VineLines OCT/NOV Harvest Edition

Here is the event you've been waiting for! Our Fall Vineyard Floor Management Workshop will be held at the Lincoln Downtown Holiday Inn on Saturday, October 31. This event will be extremely educational as well as just plain fun!

To register on-line, please click on the CARI Registration Services link below

CARI Registration Services


If you'd rather download the form, then click on the link below, fill out the form and send it in along with your check.

Downloadable Registration Form


We're pleased to be offering this great event. Be sure to join us!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Nebraska VineLines AUG/SEPT Edition

Be sure to join us at the Western Nebraska Viticulture Field Day on Monday, August 17th, held at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff. This event will be extremely educational as well as great fun! Be sure to come!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Nebraska VineLines JUN/JUL Edition

Come to Kimmel, July 13th for our 6th Annual Multi-State Field Day! A registration form is included in the newsletter as well as below.  

MULTI-STATE FIELD DAY - BE SURE TO ATTEND!

We're looking forward to seeing you at our 6th Annual Multi-state Field Day at the Kimmel Education and Research Center in Nebraska City, NE on Monday, July 13!

This exciting Field Day will have something for both beginning and experienced grape growers.

For more information, please click on and download the attached PDF announcement and registration form. For more details, be sure to check your mailboxes for the June/July issue of the Nebraska VineLines which will be coming soon!

6th Annual Kimmel Field Day Announcement

Registration Form for the 6th Annual Kimmel Field Day

Great Fun! Please be sure to join us!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Our Superior Estates Winery Field Day was a great success!

The South Central Nebraska Field Day at Superior Estates Winery, Superior, Nebraska on May 30th was a great success. The striking feature of the gorgeous architect-designed tasting room and visitors’ center were evident, with a banquet room capable of seating over 250 guests. We strolled through the acres of vineyards and viticulture experts discussed many important topics answering questions for both spring and summer pruning, nutrient management and other important  topics.  We want to thank everyone who attended.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

DISEASE ALERT!

With the recent spate of wet weather, it is imperative that growers be very diligent in following an appropriate spray program.  Diseases such as Black Rot, Downy Mildew and Phomopsis are greatly exacerbated by the wet weather.  They flourish and are effective in infecting wet grape leaves and clusters.  Follow the recommendations in the Midwest Commercial Spray Guide for Grapes and Small Fruit, remembering of course to always read the label of any chemicals that you may use.  Pay special attention to the Pre-bloom, Bloom and Post-bloom recommendations.  Depending upon your location in the state and upon cultivar, grape flowering may be completed already, in full swing, or just beginning.
 
Black Rot and Phomopsis can pose serious infection problems for up to six weeks post-bloom, so it is important to continue to follow the Spray Guide recommendations.  Mike Ellis, Ohio State University Plant Pathologist, says that if you have an appropriate spray program during this period, there will be very little likelihood of serious problems later in the season.  It is also noted that the spray program at this time of the year can be a significant help in preventing bunch rot problems and other disease problems later in the season.  Most Botrytis fruit infections occur during the bloom to post-bloom period.  If you apply Botrytis materials during pre-bloom and bloom, it may not be necessary to employ any further protection against Botrytis.
 
Strobilurin fungicides, including Pristine can help control Downy Mildew in addition to other diseases.  Inclusion of an additional weapon against Strobilurin-resistant strains of Downy Mildew may be a good idea (consider captan, mancozeb or a phosphite product).
 
Powdery Mildew protection should continue until the grapes reach 8 degrees Brix (around three weeks before maturity), after which they are no longer susceptible to Powdery Mildew infection.
 
Remember to limit use of fungicides such as Abound, Pristine etc. to two applications per year to prevent potential resistance build-up.
 
If in past years you have experienced serious disease problems as the clusters approach maturity, it can probably be traced to an inadequate spray program at pre-bloom, bloom and post -bloom.  The old saying of "an ounce of prevention prevents the need for a pound of cure" really applies here.  Good luck with your disease management program as we look forward to a bountiful harvest.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Many thanks to Kelly Meyer for bring to our attention the accomlishments of our outstanding members, and wine drinkers in general on just how good Nebraska wines are.

Here are Superior Estates results:

*Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
-Cayuga White Platinum Series 2007 - Silver;
-Vignoles 2007 - Bronze;
-Cayuga White Gold Series 2007 - Bronze;
-St. Vincent - Bronze.

The MAR/APR 2009 Nebraska VineLines edition is out!
To view it, please click on the PDF link below.

March/April 2009 Nebraska VineLines Edition

Are you looking for a barrel supplier? See the attached PDF for current phone numbers and Web site addresses for suppliers currently available. Barrel Suppliers

NEW from the Nebraska Grape and Winery Board
as of 2/2/09! See PDF links below and be sure to click on them!


NEW from the Nebraska Grape and Winery Board
as of 2/2/09! See PDF links below and be sure to click on them!


Nebraska Grape and Winery Board - News Release for 2009-2010

Nebraska Grape and Winery Board Request for Proposal Application Instructions

Nebraska Grape and Winery Board Request for Proposal Application Instructions Electronic Application

 

NEWS RELEASE

NEWS RELEASE FROM IANR NEWS SERVICE, UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA
UNL Viticulture Conference Nov. 1

Oct. 9, 2008

UNL Viticulture Conference Nov. 1

LINCOLN, Neb. -- An internationally-recognized grape expert will be the featured speaker at a University of Nebraska-Lincoln viticulture workshop Nov. 1.

Paolo Sabbatini, assistant professor in viticulture at Michigan State University, will address canopy and vineyard management and disease control at the 2008 Winery and Grape Growers fall conference. Of particular interest will be prevention of bunch rot problems, which have been a serious challenge in Nebraska vineyards this year, said Paul Read, professor of horticulture and viticulture.

The event will be held at the Holiday Inn downtown in Lincoln. To register go to http://agronomy.unl.edu/viticulture, or call (402) 472-8747. The cost is $69 for members of the Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association and $79 for non-members. Walk-in registration is $95.

An optional refresher course on wine evaluation and tasting is available along with the workshop. The three-hour workshop 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 31 will cover basic concepts and subtle nuances of evaluating wines. Participants will have the opportunity to taste several wines. The cost is $45.

10/9/08-LM Source: Paul Read, Ph.D., professor, agronomy and horticulture, (402) 472-5136, pread1@unl.edu

viticulture.

***********************************

If you have questions, please call:

IANR News and Photography

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Phone: (402)472-3030/fax: (402)472-3093

E-mail: IANRNEWS@unlnotes.unl.edu

 

Harvest VineLines

Read about the up-coming Fall Workshops.
A registration form is enclosed.   Wine Refresher Course is October 31, 2008 and the 2008 Winery and GrapeGrowers  Fall Conference is November 1, 2008 at the Holiday Inn Downtown-Lincoln. NE.  Call Donna Michel at 402-472-8747 for further information or just go to your Harvest VineLines - a copy is filed here electronically.  Just click on the "Harvest VineLines" above.       

2008 Nebraska Winery and GrapeGrowers Fall Workshop

Click on the URL below to register on line now.

 

http://cariregistration.unl.edu/CourseStatus.awp?~~08AGROLN1101

 

See you at the Workshop November 1st.
Don't forget the "Wine Course Refresher", October 31st.
Limited space -- so hurry!

"From Veraison to Harvest"

I found this article on the "From Veraison to Harvest" newsletter from Cornell and I feel that the discussion is timely and should be taken to heart by our growers and winery personnel here in the Nebraska grape and wine industry. It underscores points that we have made many times, i.e., that the wine is "made in the vineyard", that growers need wineries and wineries need growers. The point that they make about the single most important decision that affects quality wine production is the timing of the harvest decision, a point that we should all remember and work together to accomplish as we pursue the goal of continuing to make Nebraska wines of the highest quality and to continue to be the leader in producing the best wines in the Midwest.

Enjoy this timely article, Paul

Paul E. Read
Professor , UNL Viticulture Program

                                         Click Here to View Article

 

 

 

University Soil Testing Lab Terminated

As many of you may know, the University of Nebraska has recently terminated its soil and tissue testing services.  Following are some alternatives that may be helpful (no endorsement is implied).

List of Labs that do soil testing:

Ag Source-Harris                          Ward Laboratories, Inc.
300 Speedway Circle, Suite 2          4007 Cherry Avenue
Lincoln, NE  68502                        Kearney, NE  68848

Phone:  402-476-0300                    800-887-7645
Fax:  402 476-03021                      308-234-2418

Midwest Laboratories Inc.                Fax:  308-234-1940
13611 B St.                                   http://www.wardlab.com
Omaha, NE  68144

Phone:  402-334-7770                    Servi-Tech Laboratories
Fax:  402-334-9121                        1602 Park West Dr

Olsen's Lab                                    Hastings, NE   68901
210 E First St.                                800-557-7509
McCook, NE  69001                        http://www.servitechlabs.com

Phone:  308-345-3670
 

 

Summer VineLines - June/July 2008

 

 

Spring VineLines - April/May 2008

 

FIELD DAY OPPORTUNITIES – 2008

Plan to attend one or more of the following Field Days.  They are an opportunity to learn, to network with fellow growers, to see how others have approached (and hopefully solved) vineyard problems and challenges.  We learn from each other !

 July 28, 2008.  Multi-State Field Day – Lexington, Missouri.  This will be the fifth in this series of Multi-State Field Days, hosted this year by the University of Missouri’s Institute for Continental Climate Viticulture and Enology.

Although a long distance to travel for growers from western Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota (and from northern Iowa), this Field Day promises to be well worth the trip.  An outstanding program has been developed that will showcase an excellent newly developed vineyard, Farmeier Brothers and a more established vineyard and winery, Baltimore Bend Vineyard and Winery. 

Tentative Program

·                     8:00 a.m. Registration

·                     9:00 – Cultivars – An overview of Lisa Smiley’s   M.S. work at Iowa State University – Dr. Paul Domoto, Iowa State University.

·                     10:00 To Tube or Not to Tube?  A review of tube types, their characteristics and value when establishing a vineyard.  Dr. Keith Striegler, University of Missouri

·                     11:00 – Trellis Construction – “Bull-Strong” End Assemblies.  Eli Bergmeier, University of Missouri

·                     Noon – lunch.  Discussions by Vendor and Exhibitor Representatives.

·                     1:00p Travel to Baltimore Bend Vineyard, Waverly, MO.

·                     1:15p – Canopy Management – Crop Load Estimation and Control.  Andy Allen, University of Missouri.

·                     2:00p – Trellis Systems – What’s Right for You and Your Cultivars?  Dr. Paul Read, University of Nebraska

·                     2:45p – Weed Management – Dr. Reid Smeda, University of Missouri

·                     3:30p – Adjourn to Baltimore Bend Winery Tasting Room.  Sample Award Winning Wines.

Cultivars being grown at Baltimore Bend include Vignoles, Chardonel, Cabernet Franc, Norton and Chambourcin.  More details will be available on the University of Nebraska Viticulture Program web-site:  http://agronomy.unl.edu/viticulture

Including directions to the vineyard and a list of area motels.

August 16, 2008.  South-Central Nebraska Field Day, Superior Estates Winery.  More details will be forthcoming.


DISEASE ALERT

 Cool and moist conditions such as those experienced during our (so far) extended cool spring tend to encourage fungal diseases of  grapes.  As always, be sure to consult the Midwest Commercial Small Fruit and Grape Spray Guide and always follow label directions and cautions.  Following are a few tips:

Black Rot – causal agent is Guignardia bidwellii

 Early season preventive sprays include Mancozeb and sulfur – this combination provides broad-spectrum control (good for black rot, phomnopsis and downy mildew) that is less expensive than many other fungicides.  If heavy rains occur after spraying, it will be necessary to spray again because these materials are protectants, not systemic.

Important Note:  Sulfur should not be used on sulfer-sensitive cultivars, including Chambourcin, deChaunac, Concord, Cynthiana/Norton, Marechal Foch, and Leon Millot.  Data are lacking regarding sensitivity to sulfur for Marquette, LaCrescent and several otherwise (see Spray Guide).

Sterol inhibitors such as Rally or Elite offer systemic activity while strobilurins (Abound, Sovran, Flint)  are considered to provide good protection against Black Rot,  Downy Mildew and Powdery Mildew, but are only slightly effective against Phomopsis.

Downy Mildew
– (Plasmopara viticola) and
Phomopsis (Phomopsis viticola) also become serious problems during conditions such as those   experienced this spring (2008).  The above-mentioned Mancozeb and sulfur combination will provide protection from Black Rot, Phomopsis and both mildews.  However, they are not “rainfast”, so will require re-application following heavy rains.  Rainfast options that are good for Downy Mildew control include Ridomil, Presidio and the phosphorous acid materials, Prophyt and Phostrol.

 Powdery Mildew (Uncinula necator) is often stated to be the most important disease of grapes worldwide.  Sulfur is the most commonly used spray, except for cultivars for which sulfur is phytotoxic such as Chambourcin, Cynthiana/Norton, Concord and several others (consult Spray Guide for an extensive list of susceptibility to diseases, and to sprays such as sulfur and copper). Bicarbonate materials such as  Armicarb O and Milstop, JMS stylet oil and Purespray are other organic options, while Pristine, Quintec, Abound, Elite, Nova and Sovran are effective non-organic options to consider.

CULTURAL PRACTICES

 Canopy Management.  An open canopy that allows good air circulation is an important weapon in combating grape fungal diseases.  Air flow dries susceptible foliage and fruit, thus reducing opportunities for the fungal spores to germinate and cause infection.

 Clean-up – “Cleanliness is next to Godliness” is a saying that merits attention when trying to minimize chances for grape fungal diseases to become problematic.  Removal of dried-up infected berries (“mummies”) at harvest time or soon after will reduce inoculum for Black Rot, for example.  Fruit and leaves that have been infected by Black Rot, Phomopsis, Downy Mildew or Powdery Mildew will provide inoculum for future infections, so removal is important.  It should be noted that mummies, infected leaves and shoots left in the canopy are much more apt to cause infection than infected plant parts that are on the ground.  Remember also that prunings can harbor not only disease inoculum, but may also be a hiding place for insects such as the Apple Twig Borer (aka Grape Cane Borer).  See discussion elsewhere on this website for further details about this pest.  Burning prunings where allowable, or removal, chopping and burial are other approaches to this important “clean-up” steps.

 

Another alert to our friends:

I am experiencing significant damage in the vineyard this spring from Grape Cane Borer. Thought you might like to know we have them in the north central part of the state as well. Have lost many cordons and in some cases entire trunks of 4-5 year old vines. I noticed last June shoots on some cordons all wilting with the eventual death of the cordon, apparently it was the borer at work. I have not been as careful as I should have been to remove all dead wood from the vineyard and burn. I will be from now on. Another lesson learned, the hard way!

George Johnson

CONCERNED ABOUT FOLIAR PHYLLOXERA?

Although the root gall form of phylloxera is only a problem on classic winegrapes such as Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot, Lemberger and other Vitis vinifera, some concern has been expressed about damage caused by the foliar form. (Note that all V. vinifera should be grafted onto phylloxera-resistant rootstocks.) The Midwest Commercial Small Fruit and Grape Spray Guide provides advice on treating the foliar form of phylloxera (once named Phylloxera vastatrix, now re-named Dactylasphaera vitifoliae). Chemicals recommended include (use only one) Endosulfan 50WP at 2 lb/acre or Endosulfan 3EC at 1.33 qt/ A. or, Danitol 2.4EC at 10.7 fl oz/A or Assail 30SG at 2.5 oz/A or Admire Pro at 7-14 fl oz/A. Timing is important! Application of insecticide should take place at bloom and again 10 to 14 days after bloom. Note that Endosulfan can cause severe phytotoxicity to cultivars such as Chambourcin, Concord, Baco Noir, Cynthiana/Norton, Chancellor and other cultivars (refer to product label for further notations of potential problem cultivars, also note that EC formulations are more likely to cause damage than WP formulations). Depending upon the severity of the previous year's infestations, one should carefully evaluate the economics of treatment, i.e., will the benefit of control justify the cost of the spray? Aesthetic considerations may warrant treatment even when there may not be a direct economic benefit. Moderate infestation of especially susceptible cultivars such as Frontenac may not warrant spraying, since Frontenac may be extremely vigorous on more fertile soils and a mild infestation of phylloxera may tend to reduce rampant vegetative growth.

Some Nebraska and Midwest grape growers have reported that Danitol has provided desirable control of foliar phylloxera. As with all pesticides, always carefully read the label and follow all label restrictions and cautions. Remember, the label is a legal document and should be adhered to exactly.

For more information on this insect's life cycle, characteristics and control, go to:

http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2600.html
http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/ebl566/ebl566.html
 

For further assistance with concerns about phylloxera, contact your Extension Educator or the University of Nebraska Viticulture Program staff (pread@unl.edu, 402-472-5136 or sgamet@unl.edu).

 

Summer VineLines - June/July 2008

 

 

Spring VineLines - April/May 2008

 

Vintage Nebraska - A wine-inspired journey

Get the Latest on all the Nebraska
Wineries and Tasting Rooms

            Click Here 

Future Nebraska Winery & GrapeGrowers Forums

2009 - March 6 & 7, Holiday Inn, Kearney
2010 - March 5 & 6, Holiday Inn, Kearney

Contact Information

Telephone
402/472-5136 - Paul E. Read, Professor, Viticulturist
             402/472-8747 - Donna Michel, Staff Secretary, Editor - Nebraska VineLines -
                                            A University of Nebraska
                               Viticulture Program Publication
402/450-6340 - Steve Gamet, Viticulture Technologist
 
Fax:  402-472-8650
Postal address
377 Plant Science Hall
Electronic mail
General Information: 
dmichel@unl.edu
             pread@unl.edu
sgamet@unl.edu
Webmaster:
dmichel@unl.edu

The InThe Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  It is the policy of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln not to discriminate on the basis of gender, age, disability, race, color, religion and marital status, veterans status, national or ethnic origin or sexual orientation.l Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  It is the policy of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln not to discriminate on the basis of gender, age, disability, race, color, religion and marital status, veterans status, national or ethnic origin or sexual orientation.

[ Home ] NEBRASKA WINERIES ] ENTOMOLOGY ] GETTINGSTARTED ] NEW PRESENTATIONS ] NEWS ] Calendar ] WEATHER? ] PRESENTATIONS ] ACADEMIA ] Publications ] Research ] Links ] Vine Lines ]

Send mail to dmichel@unl.edu with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2002 University of Nebraska Viticulture Program
Last modified:  November 17, 2008

IANR logo