Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/155925
SOILCOHEN & CELLAR REMI from UC Davis released in 2008 rootstocks that are resistant to the dagger nematode and therefore reduce the transmission of GFLV. Research such as this, plus increased testing, is imperative. FARM BILL IMPLICATIONS In the midst of concerns over the "fiscal cliff," Congress chose an extension of the 2008 Farm Bill into 2013, rather than the renewal of the Farm Bill for a five-year cycle. The NCPN was awarded its annual $5 billion funding for this additional year, but it was done on a discretionary rather than mandatory basis. As this farm bill expires Sept. 30, 2013, a new bill has been under discussion since May 2013, and the future of this critical funding is uncertain. The California Rootstock Research Foundation recently agreed to provide money for research on GRBaV, and the CDFA Pierce's Disease/Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter (PD/GWSS) Board is considering expanding its scope to include red blotch. The American Vineyard Foundation (AVF) received donations from a variety of industry-related sources, which, together with additional funding from the California Grapevine Rootstock Research Foundation, will fund more than $250,000 in targeted research over the next year. As an industry, it is imperative that organizations support these efforts with contributions where possible, and also by supporting the assessment policies in place. For growers who are going to plant or replant a vineyard in the next few years, it is imperative to plan ahead and get involved in your plant material order. Submitting orders as early as possible ensures that a nursery will have adequate time to propagate the material needed, and not have to use subpar material to satisfy late orders. It would be better to postpone vineyard planting or redevelopment than plant poor-quality plant material that can shorten the life of the vineyard and reduce yields and quality. When placing your order, it's a w w w. v w m media.com good idea to inquire about where the material will be sourced, and if the nursery can provide results of any recent testing. Ask to visit the nursery as the vines are growing, as well as recent sites that have been planted with that material; inquire about submitting your block's material for testing. It's also important for growers to be diligent in maintaining clean vineyards. This involves regularly inspecting the vines for signs of viruses, and testing symptomatic vines. Vineyards with viruses that have known vectors should be removed to avoid spreading to neighboring blocks and vineyards. This is expensive and not always feasible, so controlling vector populations is of foremost importance. It is always a risk to use fieldselected plant material, but some growers choose to do so if they have confidence in that mate- rial. I recommend thorough testing before using field-selected material. It is an exciting time in the wine business, as the current grape shortage is a boon for growers and an opportunity to invest in vineyard development and replanting. However, caution and patience is advised in selecting healthy plant material to ensure a sustainable and fruitful future for your vineyard and the industry in general. Remi Cohen is the director of wine- making & viticulture for Cliff Lede Vineyards in Napa Valley. Her primary areas of expertise include viticulture, sustainable vineyard management, winemaking, grower and winery relations, and strategic business development. She also writes a wine industry blog, which can be found at blog.vinestowine.com. Comments? Please e-mail us at feedback@vwmmedia.com. CHOOSE ALL AMERICAN We carry a complete line of wine bottles, corks and capsules in many colors, shapes and sizes – and our centrally located Pennsylvania warehouse services the eastern United States. All American has it all. For more information, please contact: Lissa McLaughlin (727) 321-8879 lmclaughlin@ allamericancontainers.com Roberta Parmelee (315) 585-6045 rparmelee @allamericancontainers.com www.aacwine.com Wine Warehouse in Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania • Sales Offices & Warehouses in Miami, Tampa, Atlanta, Puerto Rico, NJ and CA S e p t - O c t 2 0 13 | V I N E YA R D & W I N E RY M A N A G E M E N T 35