Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/467731
w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m M a r - A p r 2 015 | V I N E YA R D & W I N E RY M A N A G E M E N T 6 1 vidence from three research t e a m s r e n d e r e d a c o m p l e x but useful picture of root zone dynamics at the Sustainable Ag Expo, held in November 2014 in San Luis Obispo, Calif. R o o t g r o w t h c h a n g e s i n response to nutrient and water demands as the season progress- es, as well as to stressors such as drought, salinity, pests and disease. Bringing new information to this dynamic were plant biologist Kevin Fort, who works with plant breeder Andrew Walker at UC Davis; UC Davis plant biologist David Smart; and Markus Keller, viticulture scien- tist at Washington State University. V&WM followed up the present- ers after the conference for a more in-depth look at the latest research. TOLERANT ROOTSTOCKS While recent storms have given Californians some respite from a historic drought, growers will con- tinue to grapple with water reduc- tions, both in quantity and quality. "Limited water supply is an ongoing concern," noted Fort of UC Davis. "There are 38 million Califor- tions that often occur together. In addition, they are screening root- stocks for resistance to nematodes and the diseases they transmit. "Disease resistance is an impor- tant component of drought resis- tance," Fort said. "If a root system is stunted due to nematode infesta- tion, it can undermine any inherent nians now, and there will be 4 mil- lion more in the next 10 years. All need water, and the competition for this resource will grow. Ideally, rootstocks should have the ability to produce roots even in drought." Fort and Walker are breeding rootstocks for the ability to tolerate drought and soil salinity, two condi- + When choosing a rootstock to plant or replant, consider both the pest-disease com- plex and limits on water quantity and quality. + UC Davis scientists have released new GRN root- stocks (1-5), now available in some nurseries. + Under minimum-till cover- crop management, vine- yards increase carbon deposition, offsetting greenhouse gas emissions. + Washington State Univer- sity researchers advise irri- gating before bud break if moisture level is 3% or more below field capacity. AT A GLANCE D E S I G N S O L U T I O N S S E R V I C E D E L I V E R Y Westec's Tank Jackets and Porta- ble Tanks feature one-piece seamless sidewall; 59" dimple jacket; more effec- tive heating and cooling; stackable and "forkliftable"; and sloped floor for easy drainage and cleaning. Innovations like our Locking Spin Handle help prevent inadvertent opening of door when tank is full, unwanted entry of tank, and theft of parts and pieces. For Westec tanks and retrofitting existing tanks. Please contact us today for more information, and an estimate for your next job.