2021 NW Michigan Grape Preharvest Meeting set for Sept. 17

Join winegrape growers from northwest Michigan at the 2021 Northwest Michigan Grape Preharvest Meeting on Friday, Sept.17 from 2-4 p.m. hosted by the Michigan State University Extension Grape Team.

This in-person meeting will be held at the research vineyard at the Michigan State University (MSU) Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Center (6686 S Center Highway, Traverse City, MI).

In northwest Michigan, most winegrape varieties are in the middle of or have completed veraison. Harvest begins soon on early winegrape varieties being picked for sparkling wine.

This year a wet September was anticipated, so growers should expect more botrytis and sour rot pressure later in the season. MSU’s Tim Miles and Paolo Sabbitini will address and discuss disease management, maintaining a green canopy through the end of the season and preparing vineyards for the dormant season.

Agenda:

2-2:45 p.m. -– Tim Miles, MSU: Late-season diseases management and how to reduce Downy Mildew and Black Rot pressure in the next growing season.

2:45-3:45 p.m. –Paolo Sabbatini, MSU: Late-season canopy management

3:45-4 p.m. – Q & A

This meeting is free, but pre-registration is required. This meeting is also worth three (3) Michigan Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) applicator recertification credits for private and commercial fruit (1C) for attending this meeting.

Please note the meeting  is planned for the research vineyard at the Research Center, so attendees should dress weather appropriately. If the weather is misty rain, it will still be outside. If it’s a downpour, then it will moved inside to the conference room. If the meeting moves indoors, participants must wear a mask, and sit socially distanced.  Masks will be provided if you forget yours. Registration closes at midnight the day before the webinar (Sept 16) so don’t miss out!

COVID-19 UPDATE: The meeting is planned for an in-person program in September. All participants, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a mask while indoors. Please do not attend any programs, meetings, or events if you feel ill.