Grapes
Growers will have to adapt to changing weather patterns
Last year was Earth’s warmest since 1880, according to NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The two agencies recently announced that Earth’s average surface temperature has warmed by about 1.4˚ F since... more »
California drought showing no sign of relenting
Although early February storms brought much-needed precipitation to California, they only made a small dent in the four-year-old drought, water managers said. Many of the state’s vegetable growers said they still don’t expect any surface... more »
Industry reacts to ‘Dirty Dozen’ list
The Environmental Working Group released Feb. 25 its list of what it identifies as the most pesticide-contaminated fruits and vegetables, according to its new analysis of U.S. government data.According to a news release, apples, peaches... more »
FMC launches Fracture fungicide
FMC Corp. is launching Fracture fungicide, a broad-spectrum, biological fungicide labeled for the prevention and control of powdery mildew, botrytis and brown rot blossom blight. Fracture is a patented fungicide labeled for use in the... more »
TKI acquires norflurazon assets from Syngenta
Tessenderlo Kerley Inc. (TKI) has purchased the herbicide assets of norflurazon (Solicam) from Syngenta Crop Protection.The product will be managed by NovaSource, the crop protection business unit of TKI.Solicam is used for control of grass... more »
California grape crush down from 2013
California's 2014 grape crush totaled 4.1 million tons, down 11 percent from the record 2013 crush of 4.7 million tons, according to USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.Red wine varieties accounted for the largest share of... more »
South Tyrolean growers cooperate to survive
South Tyrol’s apple industry gives new meaning to the word “cooperative.” Members of the International Fruit Tree Association (IFTA) saw that firsthand in November during a tour of the Italian province, which is nestled in... more »
Vineyard management plan changes during drought
How California wine grape vines responded in 2014 was partially dependent on what happened to them in 2013. It is good to find out what is happening below 2 feet. Vines can survive under very... more »