Aug 19, 2019Northwest Michigan reviews pre-harvest considerations, vineyard research update
The Northwest Michigan Horticulture Research Center’s research vineyard will be the site on Aug. 23, from 2-4 p.m. for a meeting on pre-harvest considerations and new developments for the center’s viticulture research and Extension.
Specific topics of discussion include:
- Introducing Katherine East, Michigan State University Extension’s new southwest Michigan viticulture specialist, to the northwest Michigan wine grape industry.
- Northwest Michigan Horticulture Research Center’s research vineyard establishment and expansion (training, foliar fertilizer, irrigation) of the core cultivars, Novavine powdery mildew-resistant grapevines V. vinifera ‘Soreli’ and ‘Fleuratai’, that were planted this season.
- Riesling profuse project to reduce general cluster damage and especially insect damage, and also late-season insect pest management.
- Grape pathogen resistance and diagnostic update.
Come for the program and stay for the Northwest Michigan Horticulture Research Center 40th anniversary open house, complete with a social hour, dinner and live entertainment.
Agenda
2–2:10 p.m. Introduce newly hired MSU Extension viticulture specialist, Katherine East, to the northwest region – Thomas Todaro and Katherine East
2:10–3 p.m. Research vineyard expansion and establishment practices: First-and-second-year vineyard management (training, foliar fertilizer, irrigation) of core cultivars (Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay) and new mildew-resistant cultivars from Nova vine (Soreli and Fleuratai) – Thomas Todaro and Paolo Sabbatini
3:10–3:30 p.m. Late season insect update and Riesling profuse project – Thomas Todaro
3:30–3:45 p.m. Grape pathogen resistance update and ways to reduce resistance — Tim Miles
3:45–4 p.m. 15 minutes for detailed discussion and questions
4–9:30 p.m. Fun and entertainment during the Northwest Michigan Horticulture Research Center 40th Anniversary Open House
– Thomas Todaro, Michigan State University Extension
Photo: Thomas Todaro/MSU Extension