Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/705612
28 AUGUST 2016 Good Fruit Grower www.goodfruit.com Courtesy of tim Weigle: Telltale chain patterns like these on Concord leaves are one of the ways scouts identify grape rootworm infestations. This kind of damage is minimal compared to the damage larvae do to roots. Frost control has become very important to us. In the last 9 years, we have had 5 frost events that have significantly damaged our production. We decided to do something to help mitigate this so our production would be consistent. That's where Orchard-Rite ® wind machines have come into play for us. In mid April of 2014, we reached 24 degrees outside the vineyard, yet we were able to save 100% of the fruit under the machines. Outside of the coverage area, we lost almost all of the fruit. At harvest, we picked over 6 tons per acre in the protected area and less than 1 ton per acre in any unprotected vines. The wind machines also reduced my vine damage. I put the wind machines on 10 year old vines and experienced minimal damage, but any unprotected 1 year old vines were completely decimated by the cold temperatures. In the future, when I set out a new planting, I will install Orchard-Rite ® wind machines to provide protection for the following Spring. Damaging young plants is a huge expense not only in lost production but in extra management costs to replant and retrain damaged vines. I believe that the wind machines will help our Texas wine industry grow consistent crops that our wine makers can depend on to produce superior wines and to reliably supply our markets. "The grape vines under my wind machines yielded 6 tons per acre while my unprotected areas had less than 1 ton per acre." -- Andy Timmons Lost Draw Vineyard Lubbock, TX, USA Don't get caught with your plants down! Hot New Varieties Trees? 2018 2017 Apples * Cherries * Pears Call today to place your order! 503-538-2131 • FAX: 503-538-7616 info@treeconnect.com • www.treeconnect.com 800-421-4001 We've got you covered!