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News from Cornell's Viticulture and Enology Program
March 17, 2017

RESEARCH FOCUS

Adopting Under-Vine Cover Crops in Vinifera Vineyards 
Research in the Finger Lakes by Justine Vanden Heuvel, associate professor of enology and viticulture, indicates that planting under-vine cover crops are an effective alternative to bare soils for controlling excessive vigor, while also promoting healthy soils and reducing erosion and nitrogen leaching. 

FACULTY FOCUS

Five Questions for Tom Burr
Tom Burr, professor of plant pathology, will retire in 2017 after a four-decade career with Cornell University.  Learn more about his research contributions to bacterial pathogens, as well as thoughts on managing diseases like Crown Gall in the future.

STUDENT FOCUS

Our Roots Grow Deep: Alumni in Extension
Viticulture and Enology alumni Lindsay Jordan, MS '14, and Justin Scheiner, PhD '10, apply their research backgrounds as graduate students to assist grape growers and industry members as extension professionals across the United States.  

GRAPES 101

Will Effects of the 2016 Drought Carry Over into 2017?
After a severe drought in 2016, many area growers are now wondering how this might impact the 2017 growing season.  Although this is a difficult question to answer, this article poses a few scenarios for vineyard managers to consider.

INDUSTRY FOCUS

Lake Erie Growers Work with Researchers to Develop Technology
At the Lake Erie Regional Grape Program in western New York, staff scientists, extension professionals, and local grape growers work together to develop practical technologies aimed at improving daily vineyard operations.

AWARDS

Justine Vanden Heuvel, receives the NY Wine & Grape Foundation "Research Award" for her contributions to the NY grape and wine industry. From NYWGF: "Justine is engaged in both research and teaching, [and focuses] on optimizing flavors and aromas in wine grapes, while also improving both the environmental and economic sustainability of wine grape production in cool climates."

IN THE NEWS​

• TTB proposes new grape variety names
  Five New York grapes are on the TTB's list of new varieties designated for wine, including three developed at the Cornell University NYS Agricultural Experiment Station:  Arandell (red variety), Aromella (white hybrid), and Geneva Red.  
• New York's winery boom began 40 years ago: How a 1976 law changed everything
  The Finger Lakes wine region has a diverse history, and in recent years has experienced significant growth.  In this  article, learn how the grape and wine industry has changed over 40 years, and the NYS Agricultural Experiment Station's research and extension contributions.
• Weather made 2016 good year for Finger Lakes wine
  Despite last summer's severe drought for much of the Finger Lakes region, area growers generally report good yields and favorable wine making conditions, according to Hans Walter-Peterson.
• Can science save our favorite wines?
  In this Wine Enthusiast article, Bruce Reisch discusses his research on crossing lesser-known, disease resistant grapes with better-known varieties to produce new varieties that are "both tasty and easier to grow in the [Finger Lakes] region." 
• Water sensor moves from basic research to promising business
  Collaborations between Cornell engineers and Alan Lakso, professor emeritus of horticulture, have led to an inexpensive new water sensor that allows researchers and growers alike to measure water pressure real-time inside a plant.
• You aren't wrong about wine
  Thinking about splurging on an expensive bottle of wine for a special occasion?  According to Anna Katharine Mansfield, the best option might be a bottle of wine you already know.
• The future of New York wine
  The New York Wine & Grape Foundation has been an essential part of the New York grape and wine industry's tremendous growth.  As former president Jim Tresize transitions out of his role, the NYWGF welcomes Sam Filler as its new executive director.  

FEATURED VIDEO

The Lake Erie Regional Grape Program (LERGP) recently announced a weekly podcast series to help growers understand the latest environmental and economic tools for vineyard management.   In the first podcast below, Terry Bates and Luke Haggerty discuss the LERGP's mission and provide a general overview of their work with the local grape industry.