Jul 8, 2021

Viticulture Field Day scheduled for July 29 in Washington state

The 2021 Washington State University/Washington State Grape Society Viticulture Field Day will be held July 29 as an in-person event.

The field day will be held from 3 p.m.- 6 p.m. PDT at the Washington State University (WSU) Prosser IAREC – Roza Research Farm. Farm entrance at 117814 W. Kuhlman Road, Prosser, Wshington.

Cost is $20. Register here.

Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2021-washington-state-viticulture-field-day-tickets-160815171507

Registration will be limited to the first 60 participants. Preregistration is required to attend this event.

Event description

This outdoor educational event will feature a series of educational rotations, with 25 minute stops at four themed stations.  On-site check in begins at 3: p.m, and the event will be done by 5:45 p.m.

1. Station 1 – Canopy Cooling. Extreme heat can be detrimental to juice and wine grape quality. Learn how to mitigate heat stress using controlled evaporative cooling. Presented by Ben-Min Chang, WSU.
2. Station 2 – Irrigation for White Winegrapes. White winegrapes have different irrigation requirements from red wine grapes. Learn how Riesling performs under regulated deficit irrigation and partial rootzone drying. Presented by  Markus Keller and Geraldine Diverres-Naranjo, WSU.
3. Station 3 – Smoke Exposure.  Discover the latest in smoke exposure research, air quality monitoring networks, and mitigation approaches using barrier treatments. Presented by Tom Collins, Yue Hofmeister and Mackenzie Aragon, WSU.
4. Station 4 – Scouting and Soils!
   1. Powdery Mildew Scouting – Learn how to use the Glove Method for powdery mildew scouting and fungicide resistance testing. FRAME swag and kits for participants. Presented by Michelle Moyer and Maria Mireles, WSU.
   2. Soil and Water – Soil texture changes percolation rates. Learn how that influences chemigation approaches.  Presented by Bernie Gagnier and Lexie McDaniel, WSU.

COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS AT WSU LOCATIONS

Per current WSU guidelines, all participants will be asked to complete a COVID-19 Attestation (confirming no symptoms) at the start of the workshop. Participants will also be required to maintain a 6-foot social distance from other participants, and wear a facemask unless proof of vaccination (2 weeks past last vaccination dose) can be demonstrated.

HOST ORGANIZATIONS

This event is co-hosted by the Washington State Grape Society, and Washington State University Viticulture Extension.  Snacks provided by Inland Desert Nursery and water provided by Precept Wine.