News from Cornell's Viticulture and Enology Program, August 2018
RESEARCH FOCUS
Sensors Provide Information to Guide Variable-Rate Mechanical Fruit Thinning and Prevent Overcropping of Concord Grapes
The Efficient Vineyard project has successfully used GIS mapping of sensor data to modify harvester bow-rod shaking speed on-the-fly for variable-rate mechanical crop thinning to reduce overcropping. (also see video below).
FEATURED VIDEO
Demonstrations of a mechanical grape harvester during crop estimation and crop thinning at the Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Laboratory.
FACULTY FOCUS
Five Questions for Jason Londo
USDA grape geneticist Jason Londo studies the genetics and physiology of cold-hardiness as a member of the USDA's Grape Genetics Research Unit, based at Cornell AgriTech (the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station) at Geneva, NY.
STUDENT FOCUS
The Vanden Heuvel Lab’s Visiting Student from Across the Pond: Sam Kozlowski
Between busy days in the vineyard, Sam answered questions about his interests, current research, and about how a former aerospace engineer wound up involved in grapes and wine.
GRAPES 101
What Happens from Véraison to Harvest?
The development of grapes from fertilized flowers to ripened fruit is a complex physical and chemical process: sugars, acids, polyphenols, aroma and flavor compounds, and berry size and softness are all in flux.
AWARDS
Grapevine Management Work Nets Cornell Doctoral Student Three Awards
Anne Kearney (PhD student in Justine Vanden Heuvel's lab) received three scholarships for her research on the canopy management practice palissage.
Plant Pathology Doctoral Student Receives the 2018 Gilmer Award
Elizabeth Cieniewicz (PhD student in Marc Fuch's lab) studies grapevine viruses including red blotch.
Viticulture and Enology Doctoral Students win ASEV Awards for Best Presentations
Elizabeth Burzynski (PhD student in Gavin Sacks' lab) won best viticulture student presentation at the 2018 National conference, while Anne Kearney (PhD student in Justine Vanden Heuvel's lab) and Demi Perry (PhD student in Gavin Sacks' lab) won best viticulture and enology student presentations, respectively, at the 2018 Eastern Section conference
RESEARCH IN PLAIN ENGLISH
- Control of Sour Rot via Chemical and Canopy Management Techniques
Recent PhD recipient Megan Hall, plant pathologist Wayne Wilcox and entomologist Greg Loeb collaborated in evaluating integrated insect and pathogen control practices to manage sour rot and Drosophila.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- September 11 (then recurring every 2nd Tuesday of the month), The Hitchhiker's Guide to Precision Agriculture Webinar Series: Precision Viticulture at a Glance
-
September 15, 9am - 11am, USDA-ARS Apple, Grape, and Tart Cherry Germplasm Collection Tour at McCarthy Farm, 2865 County Road 6 (Preemption Road), Geneva, NY, 14456 (across from St. Mary’s Cemetery). The tour will be two hours (walking on uneven ground) through the orchard and vineyard. No reservations are needed.
NEWS BRIEFS
-
'Cornell AgriTech' Reflects Influence in Food, Ag Innovation
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences announced Aug. 1 the renaming of the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station (NYSAES) to Cornell AgriTech. -
Will Europe Embrace Hybrid Wine Grapes?
In this Wines & Vines article, Tim Martinson and Bruce Reisch discuss the history and future of hybrid grapevines in Europe. -
Finger Lakes or bust: how wineries are taking innovative approaches to changing climate
Jason Londo and Tim Martinson discuss growers' responses to climate in this Democrat and Chronicle article, which features Heart and Hands producer Tom Higgens' experiments with heated and insulated fruiting wires to reduce winter injury. -
Welch's Global Ingredients Group launches grape product for wine industry.
A new Niagara-based grape juice product is designed to be a cost-effective but high-quality filler or base wine for a wide variety of different wine styles. - Perfect pairing: From vine to glass, our science has elevated how grapes are grown—and enjoyed
This PeriodiCals article summarizes several Cornell research efforts by the Bates and Vanden Heuvel (Horticulture), Loeb (Entomology), Fuchs (Plant Pathology), and Gomez (Applied Economics and Management) programs.