May 2019
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I have not personally observed this yet, but county agents and producers are now starting to observe limited downy mildew. Though it has been drier of late, dew is sufficient for infection, and we have had some rains over the last few weeks that may have initiated infections. Scout carefully for mildew, and if observed,…
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Hello everyone, I wanted to update you all about what we are seeing in terms of sharpshooters in the vineyards. Right now, one of the most common sharpshooters we are seeing is the “broad-headed sharpshooter” (see image below). It Is similar in size to glassy-winged sharpshooter and at a glance can be mistaken for glassy-winged,…
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Thrips are small yellowish-brown insects, approximately 0.04 inch long, with feathery wings. Thrips are generally not a problem for wine grapes, but both western flower thrips and grape thrips are known to cause damage on grapes. Western flower thrips are nearly ubiquitous in the environment,…
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On June 7 and 8, the Vineyard and Winery Association of West Georgia presents their annual Southern Winegrape Symposium in Carrollton, Georgia. The Winegrape Symposium is for current and aspiring individuals interested in learning more about winegrape growing and making wine. Wine Tasting 101, a wine class and tasting with wine expert Jane Garvey, will be featured…
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Producers are all busy working in their fields, planting, spraying, and irrigating. Some folks are making hay or working on small grains as well. Here is a look ahead at the weather and climate for the next few weeks. The major feature of the weather across the Southeast for the next month is a strong…
Posted in: Weather -
Bloom and post-bloom are critical times for disease management in grapes. Temperatures and rainfall are generally favorable for pathogen development at this time, though conditions are not as wet as those observed last year. This is particularly true for grapes that are susceptible to powdery/downy mildews and Botrytis. The fruit are generally more susceptible to…
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Bloom is upon us in bunch grape vineyards in the piedmont and mountains of north Georgia. This is likely also the case in most bunch grape vineyards in Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, and North Carolina, excepting those vineyards planted above 2,000 ft. above sea level and/or those with late-blooming cultivars. And, thankfully, this year looks…
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The 2019 Georgia Sparkling Wine Production Conference will take place from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM on May 22 at Wolf Mountain Vineyards (180 Wolf Mountain Trail, Dahlonega, GA 30533). Thanks to Brannon, Karl, and their staff for hosting us. We are fortunate to have national and local experts from both industry and academics…
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Most should be, or will soon be, heavy into shoot thinning their winegrape vineyards. Here is a UGA extension publication (published online as of today!) on effective shoot thinning practices in vineyards: https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1152 Now… a reminder to please register for an educational event that will take place after you are done, or close to…