Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/40315
Nursery commits to grape sustainability Inland Desert's commitment will represent 100-plus acres of newly planted, virus-indexed grape rootstock and scion mother blocks. by Melissa Hansen I The bare ground behind Kevin Judkins of Inland Desert Nursery has since been planted with vines for the nursery's collection block. nland Desert Nursery, a Benton City, Washington, grapevine nursery, has made a serious commitment to the long-term health and sustainability of the Pacific Northwest grape industry. Owner Tom Judkins, Jr., has a goal of replanting all of the nursery's registered mother blocks and using only foundation-level grape material from the Northwest Grape Foundation Service. When it's all said and done, their commitment will represent more than 100 acres of newly planted, virus-indexed rootstock and scion mother blocks, all material from the new H-20 block of the Grape Foundation Service, managed by Washington State Univer- sity. Some of the registered blocks will be with grower cooperators—with certification maintained by Inland Desert—but the long-term goal is to replace all of their current reg- istered material from WSU's original foundation H-14 block and other noncertified material with new mother vines from the new H-20 block. Judkins, who founded Inland Desert more than 40 years ago and is now joined by his two sons and a daughter, has already reaped benefits from the company's commitment to Grape Foundation Service plant material. Helping you tie up the loose ends! DRIPLOK™ Quick and economical, this long- lasting dripline holder can be installed in seconds. The built-in saddle prevents water flow restriction. Available in 1/2" and 7/8" sizes. AGLOK™ AgLok is a universal agricultural fastener designed for your vineyard and orchard tying and training needs. The AgLok comes in 11.5" strips, 150' belt- mounted boxes, and 500' spools. For your nearest dealer, contact AgFast at… 30 SEPTEMBER 2011 GOOD FRUIT GROWER Toll-Free: 877.552-4828 909.451.2299 • Fax: 909.593.8309 www.goodfruit.com melissa hansen