Frost damage to varying extents has been reported in vineyards in GA, TN, NC, VA, MD, and PA. Spring frost may still be a threat for some vineyards located in more northern growing regions in the eastern US. For example, according to one online source, a 50% chance of 32 deg. F temperatures remain through the end of April in Geneva, NY.
I am still getting questions about frost damage and how to deal with the damage after it has occurred. Is the primary shoot fully dead? Is the primary shoot only partially dead? Are the inflorescences dead? Will a secondary shoot grow? Should I remove dead tissues? How should I adjust my spray program to manage pests? How much of a crop yield reduction can I expect? Will my crop ripen unevenly? These are just a few of the common questions one might consider asking after a frost event. Because frost can be variable across region, cultivar, block, and even vine, it can be difficult to offer general guidance on how to manage frost damaged vines.
In his most recent edition of “Viticulture Notes,” Dr. Tony Wolf thoroughly addressed various frost damage scenarios and considerations on how to manage vines after frost damage has occurred. Tony kindly agreed to let me share these notes with UGA Extension Viticulture Blog subscribers. I hope everyone finds Tony’s thoughts as helpful as I do. Thank you, Tony.
