UF/IFAS Research: Muscadine Grapes Get New Recipe for Success from Specialists

Jim Rogers Florida, Grapes

Florida’s native grape, the muscadine, has long held a reputation for being an acquired taste. Juicy and sweet with a leathery, thick skin and bitter seeds, the grape is typically reserved for specialty stores and wine making. Not only are these grapes delicious – they’re also a superfood, packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. The challenge was getting consumers to …

Grape Producers Be Wary of SWD, Sour Rot

Jim Rogers Alabama, Grapes

By Clint Thompson Southeast grape producers should be mindful that the time is now to manage spotted wing drosophila (SWD) flies. Doing so will help suppress sour rot in grapes that are susceptible. Brett Blaauw, assistant professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, noted in the UGA Extension Viticulture Blog, that the flies are active …

Strategies for Summer Grapevine Pruning

Jim Rogers Grapes

By Clint Thompson Grape pruning is reserved for the winter time, but the process usually begins earlier in the year, says Sarah Lowder, University of Georgia (UGA) viticulture Extension specialist. She noted in the UGA Extension Viticulture Blog that stressed vines can be observed more easily during the summer. Vines that are not growing well and show symptoms of issues …

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Fungicide Resistance Testing Available for Georgia Grape Producers

Jim Rogers Georgia, Grapes

By Clint Thompson Georgia grape producers should be aware that the University of Georgia has resources to test for fungicide resistance of multiple pathogens in wine grapes. These pathogens include powdery mildew, downy mildew, ripe rot and Botrytis. But only in certain instances should growers send samples to the Plant Molecular Diagnostic Lab in Tifton, Georgia. Phil Brannen, University of …

Grape Crop Management: What to Look Out for with Harvest Season Looming

Jim Rogers Alabama, Georgia, Grapes

By Clint Thompson Harvest season is on the horizon for grape producers in Georgia and Alabama. Now is a critical time for growers to implement their disease and pest management strategies. Sarah Lowder, University of Georgia viticulture Extension specialist, discussed what producers should be mindful of with harvest season just a few weeks away. “At this point, keeping on top …

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New Grape Grower Symposium This Saturday

Jim Rogers Events, Georgia

By Clint Thompson Producers interested in learning how to grow grapes should make plans to attend a New Grape Grower Symposium on Saturday, June 24 at the Carroll County Agricultural Education Center in Carrollton, Georgia. The symposium is for those considering the process and those in the first few years of producing grapes. It could also serve as a refresher …

peaches fruits hanging on a tree

Cold Temperatures Benefit Peach, Grape Producers

Jim Rogers Weather

By Clint Thompson Consecutive days and nights of cold temperatures were just what the doctor ordered for peach producers and grape growers in the Southeast. They allowed farmers to obtain much needed chill hours. Grape producers also received help in managing Pierce’s Disease. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist Phil Brannen highlights the benefits that this week’s 20-and …

Warmer Temperatures Not Good for Pierce’s Disease Control in Grapes

Jim Rogers Grapes

By Clint Thompson Unseasonably warm temperatures have one University of Georgia plant pathologist concerned about the impact on Pierce’s disease in grapes. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Extension fruit disease specialist, discussed the potential dire situation facing some grape producers. “The concern I have on grapes, especially the European wine grapes in North Georgia, is with these warm temperatures we’re …