Grape growers to learn how to re-establish vines from 2014 winter
March 11, 2015
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Commercial grape growers will meet April 8 at a northeast Indiana vineyard to learn how to re-establish grapevines damaged during the harsh winter of a year ago.
The Purdue Wine Grape Team's 2015 Viticulture Field Day will be held at Dulcius Vineyards, 2573 W. 500 S in Columbia City, beginning at 10 a.m. EDT. Dulcius Vineyards has the largest vineyard in the northern half of the state.
Indiana vineyards suffered severe winter injury in 2014; many vines were killed to the ground and regrew shoots from the base of the trunks. How to properly handle those vines now to re-establish trunks and cordons for future years of production will be the main theme of the workshop.
Additional topics will cover vineyard management practices to control pests, diseases and damage from birds.
Participants will meet with other growers and the Purdue University viticulture specialist to build on their grape production knowledge and skills.
Topics and presenters are:
* Vine pruning and training, vine replanting, trellis construction, bird net installation: Austin Fergusson, owner of Dulcius Vineyards, with Scott Fergusson and Kyaw Naing.
* Air-blast and weed sprayer operation and calibration: Bruce Bordelon, Purdue viticulture professor.
* Private Applicator Recertification Program: Brad Kohlhagen, Adams County Extension educator. Private pesticide applicators should bring their certification number, identification and $10 to cover the recertification fee.
There is a $30 fee to attend the workshop. Lunch is included.
A registration form is available at www.ag.purdue.edu/hla/extension. Click on a link to the form toward the bottom right side of the page.
For more information, contact Lori Jolly-Brown at 765-494-1296 or ljollybr@purdue.edu.
Writer: Keith Robinson, 765-494-2722, robins89@purdue.edu
Source: Bruce Bordelon, 765-494-8212, bordelon@purdue.edu
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Keith Robinson, robins89@purdue.edu
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