VINEYARD FLOOR MANAGEMENT TO REDUCE VINE VIGOR AND IMPROVE WINE QUALITY

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: HATCH
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 0212225
• Project Start Date: Oct 1, 2012
• Project End Date: Sep 30, 2017
• Program Code: [(N/A)]- (N/A)

Recipient Organization
N Y AGRICULTURAL EXPT STATION
(N/A)
GENEVA,NY 14456

Performing Department
Geneva - Horticulture

Non Technical Summary
Historically, grape production in the Eastern U.S. focused on varieties and practices that maximized yield at acceptable levels of quality. Maintaining a weed-free zone directly beneath the vines through the use of herbicides would reduce competition so that vines could grow larger and produce more fruit. This practice has carried over to vineyards that are focused on producing fruit from newer winegrape varieties at lower yields, but higher levels of quality. In winegrape production, growers generally aim to produce high-quality fruit with optimal organoleptic qualities - and this fruit generally comes from smaller vines producing lower yields (Wolf, 2008). The practice of maintaining a weed-free zone under the trellis results in herbicide migration into waterways (Martinson et al. 2009), soil erosion from bare strips (Martinson et al. 2009), as well as vigorous canopies where clusters are hidden by several layers of leaves (Wolf, 2008; Percival et al. 1994), resulting in poor development of flavors and aromas (Marais et al. 1992). Currently, the wine and grape industry has several options for remediation of such problem canopies, such as leaf removal, hedging, and cluster thinning; however these practices are expensive to implement (White, 2008). Thus, the use of herbicides in the vineyard results in increased vine growth which then requires further labor inputs to remediate. Planting annual groundcovers underneath the trellis rather than maintaining an herbicide strip may offer a potential method for reducing herbicide use, reducing erosion, reducing vine vigor through competition, and hence reducing production costs. The limited research on under-vine groundcovers to date has been conducted in warmer climates (e.g. Virginia); however recommendations from those studies cannot be carried over to cooler climates due to the need to "hill up" over the graft union in NY winegrape vineyards, necessitating the use of an annual crop with a smaller root system to allow for freedom of soil movement. Additionally, all of the under-vine cover crop studies have been on red rather than white wine grapes, and on vinifera cultivars rather than hybrids, and therefore likely do not apply to many cultivars commonly grown throughout the North East due to differences in optimal cluster light exposure as well as vine size and yield. This project aims to enhance competitiveness of the winegrape industry though the development of improved production techniques that improve environmental sustainability (by reducing herbicide use and soil erosion) as well as economic sustainability (reduced production costs for weed management that results in further need for labor to manage the vigorous canopies).

Animal Health Component

(N/A)

Research Effort Categories

Basic

(N/A)

Applied

(N/A)

Developmental

(N/A)

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
205	1131	1060	100%

Knowledge Area
205 - Plant Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
1131 - Wine grapes;

Field Of Science
1060 - Biology (whole systems);

Keywords

viticulture

floor management

herbicide reduction

vigor reduction

cover crops

buckwheat

turnip

annual ryegrass

fruit composition

Goals / Objectives
GOALS: The overall goal of this project is to determine appropriate vineyard floor management practices that can reduce vine vigor and improve wine quality in hybrid and vinifera wine grapes. OBJECTIVES: 1.To study the effect of under-vine cover crops in V. vinifera grapes cvs. Riesling and Cabernet franc 2.To study the effect of under-vine cover crops in hybrid winegrape cv. Noiret OUTPUTS: Our close interaction with members of the NY grape and wine industry through our outreach activities assures that our work is well integrated and that the outcomes will have a direct impact on the economic and environmental sustainability of local vineyards and wineries. Current vineyard practices for maintaining an herbicide strip underneath the vines, for example, can cost up to $219 per acre per year (White, 2011), while mechanical leaf removal and hedging cost approximately $90 per acre per year (White, 2011). Leaf removal by hand, which is practiced by most NY winegrape growers, has not been directly quantified but is estimated to be at least $125 per acre per year. In contrast, we estimate that establishing and managing a low-growing cover crop directly underneath the vine would be less than $50 per acre per year. In these scenarios, the growers would save all of the costs of herbicides as well as a portion of the costs of leaf removal/hedging. In short, using under-vine groundcovers could result in considerable economic savings for winegrape growers, as well as the long-term benefits of maintaining soil structure through reduced erosion.

Project Methods
Objective 1: To study the effect of vineyard floor management in V. vinifera grapes cvs. Riesling and Cabernet franc. Vigorous Riesling vines located at two sites and vigorous Cabernet franc vines located at a commercial vineyard in King Ferry, NY will be subjected to under-vine treatments and compared to a herbicide control. Treatments will include: herbicide strip, seeding with annual ryegrass, seeding with buckwheat, and seeding with rosette-forming turnip, seeding with chicory. AT one site a split-plot design with cover crop a the main block and drip irrigation (present or absent) as the sub-block. Percent coverage and biomass of cover crops will be assessed at berry set, veraison, and pre-harvest. Petioles will be sent for nutrient analysis. Shoot diameter and rate of growth will be collected. Pre-dawn leaf water potential and stem water potential will be assessed. Canopy parameters will be analyzed using EPQA. Vines will be individually harvested, clusters will be counted and weighed. Subsamples of 100 berries will be weighed to determine average berry weight. Vines will be pruned, and pruning weights will be collected on a per vine basis from each data collection panel. A random sample of approximately 20 clusters will be collected and frozen at -40C for further analysis. Frozen berries will be thawed at room temperature before analysis, and Brix, pH, TA, and YAN will be quantified. Wines will be made in duplicate. Differences among wines will be determined using preference testing. Comparisons of production costs among treatments will be estimated. Objective 2: To study the effect of vineyard floor management on development of flavor and aroma compounds in hybrid winegrape cv. Noiret Vigorous Noiret vines will be subjected to : herbicide strip (1 m wide), natural vegetation, seeded with buckwheat, and root pruning in the spring. Percent coverage and biomass of cover crops will be assessed at berry set, veraison, and pre-harvest. Petioles will be collected for nutrient analysis. Shoot diameter and rate of growth will be collected. Pre-dawn leaf water potential and stem water potential will be assessed. Canopy parameters will be analyzed by EPQA. Vines will be individually harvested, clusters will be counted and weighed. Subsamples of 100 berries will be weighed to determine average berry weight. Vines will be pruned according to grower specifications, and pruning weights will be collected on a per vine basis from each data collection panel. Cropload will be collected by dividing yield by pruning weight on a per vine basis. A random sample of approximately 20 clusters will be collected and frozen at -40C for further analysis. Frozen berries will be thawed at room temperature before analysis, and Brix, pH, TA, and YAN will be quantified using standard procedures. Wines will be made in duplicate using standard red wine procedures. Differences among wines will be determined using preference testing. Comparisons of production costs among treatments will be estimated. Outputs will be evaluated collaboratively with extension colleagues through informal surveys with constituents.

Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/17

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this work was winegrape growers in cool climate growing regions throughout the U.S. They were reached through in-person presentations, a webinar, and a prominent outreach article. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project has provided a series of presentations for growers, including discussion at tailgate meetings, to train growers in planting and maintaining under-vine cover crops. There was also a comprehensive article that covered all the studies published in Appellation Cornell and we've now completed a video on how to plant them (video was funded by an external fundin gagency). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Growers have had ample opportunities to learn about under-vine cover crops by yearly presentations at the BEVNY conference, tailgate discussion, extension articles, and a video. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? As part of this project my program completed a series of studies on under-vine cover crops with a focus on Cabernet Franc and Riesling. These studies encompassed three studies on Cabernet Franc and three on Riesling, covering a range of sites, soils, vine ages, and vine vigor. Additionally we completed a study on the impact of under-vine cover crops on interspecific hybrids, specifically Noiret. As a result of these studies we've developed clear recommendations for winegrape growers in cool climates to implement these practices, potentially resulting in economic savings and increased economic sustainability. This work has led to successfully obtaining other sources of funding to encourage growers to adopt these practices.

Publications

• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Vanden Heuvel, J.E. 2016. Under-vine cover crops as an alternative to herbicide. Wine and Viticulture Journal (Australia) 31: 60-63.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Vanden Heuvel, J.E. 2017. Adopting under-vine cover crops in vinifera vineyards. In Martinson, T. (Ed.). Appellation Cornell (March edition), NYSAES, Geneva, NY.

Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this work is winegrape growers in NYS and the Northeastern USA Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Newsletter article in Wine and Viticulture journal (an Australian trade publication) for growers to use as a resource. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Newsletter articles, growers talks and presentations. Handouts at industry meetings such as BEVNY. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Complete Noiret report, finish Cabernet Franc and Riesling projects. Complete final sensory analyses on the wines. Work with Tim Martinson to complete Appellation Cornell article summarizing our work on under-vine cover crops.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The Noiret project was completed, report is currently being prepared. Four peer-reviewed publications on under-vine cover crops came out in 2016. One Cabernet Franc and one Riesling project still continue. Interest in the use of under-vine cover crops by industry is beginning to increase not only in the Northeast but around the world.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Karl, A.D., I.M. Merwin, M.G. Brown, R. Hervieux, and J.E. Vanden Heuvel. 2016. Under-vine management impacts soil properties and leachate composition in a New York State Vineyard. HortScience 51: 941-949.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Karl, A.D., I.M. Merwin, M.G. Brown, R. Hervieux, and J.E. Vanden Heuvel. 2016. Impact of Under-Vine Management on Vine Growth, Yield, Fruit Composition, and Wine Sensory Analyses of Cabernet franc. Amer. J. Enol. Vitic. 67: 269-280.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Jordan, L.M., T.J. Bjorkman, and J.E. Vanden Heuvel. 2016. Using under-vine cover crops did not impact vine growth or fruit composition of mature cool climate Riesling grapevines. HortTech 26: 36-45.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Centinari, M., J.E. Vanden Heuvel, M. Goebel, T.L. Baeurle. 2016. Root-zone management practices impact above and below-ground growth in Cabernet Franc grapevines. Aust. J. Grape and Wine Res. 22(1): 137-148.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Chou, M., T. Bell, A.K. Mansfield, J. Kao-Kniffen, and J.E. Vanden Heuvel. 2016. Vineyard Floor Management Impacts Soil and Grape Microbial Communities in a New York State Riesling Vineyard. American Society of Enology and Viticulture Eastern Section, St. Louis, MO.

Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience for this work is winegrape growers in NYS and the Northeastern USA. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Twilight meeting for industry at cooperating vineyard, training growers on how to use under-vine cover crops. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Three oral presentations: Twilight meeting in August 2015, BEV meeting in February 2015, Expo in January 13. Contact hours ~200. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue data collection at three experimental sites. Two refereed publications currently in review, hope to be published in 2016. Sensory analysis on wines from studies.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Two studies wrapped up: one on Cabernet Franc, one on Riesling. Two sites continue (Riesling and Cabernet Franc), Noiret study established and data collected. Twilight meeting with industry led at Noiret research site.

Publications

• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Martinson, T. and J.E. Vanden Heuvel. 2015. Vanden Heuvel research program works with cooperating vineyards. In Martinson, T. and C. Gerling (Ed.). Veraison to Harvest (4th ed. Vol 2008, 3 pp.) NYSAES, Geneva, NY: Statewide viticulture extension program.

Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience of cool climate winegrape growers was reached through in-person presentations as well as a webinar Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Multiple presentations at grower conferences in NY, VA, NC. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Establish Noiret study, continue to collect data in Riesling and Cabernet franc, publish data from Riesling and Cabernet franc, present results at grower conferences (ex. BEV in March 2015).

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Under vine cover crops studied at two Riesling sites, two Cabernet franc sites. Data collected, presented to growers through multiple presentations/locations. Plans for Noiret study finalized.

Publications

Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience of winegrape growers in cool climate growing regions throughout the U.S. were reached through in-person presentations as well as a webinar that was sponsored by the Northern Grapes program. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Webinar on under-vine cover crops for Northern Grapes project. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Continue projects on Riesling and Cabernet franc, establish Noiret project, discuss results with stakeholders at appropriate venues.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Under vine cover crops continued to be studied in Riesling (two sites) and Cabernet franc (1 site).

Publications

Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities: 1)Data collection continued in Noiret pruning/training/spacing trial 2)Data collection continued in 95.0301.01 trial 3)Riesling under-vine cover crops study initiated, 4) data collection continued for Cabernet franc under-vine cover crops trial. Events: The following presentations were based on the above work: Sacks, G.L., J.E. Vanden Heuvel, B. Pan, J. Scheiner, I. Ryona, S. Harris. 2012. Understanding factors that influence synthesis and degradation of the herbaceous-smelling alkylmethoxypyrazines in winegrapes. Washington Area Wine Grape Growers Association Annual Meeting, Kennewick, WA Feb. 10, 250 participants. Centinary, M., J.E. Vanden Heuvel, and T. Bauerle. 2012. Under-vine cover crops reduce vigor in Cabernet franc. American Society of Enology and Viticulture Eastern Section, July 2012, 70 participants. PARTICIPANTS: PARTICIPANTS: Steve Lerch is the research support specialist working on the project. Collaborators included Gavin Sacks, Bruce Reisch, Anna Katharine Mansfield, and Taryn Bauerle. The New York Farm Viability Institute provides funding for the hybrid management studies, and the Viticulture Consortium East provides funding for the Noiret and 95.0301.01 training studies. The NYSDAM provided funding for the under-vine cover crops study through a block grant to T. Bauerle. Director Endowments from the NYSAES support the Riesling under-vine cover crop work. TARGET AUDIENCES: The primary target group of our project is the approximately 280 NY winegrape growers and their vineyard managers who farm approximately 8,500 acres of winegrapes (Vitis vinifera L. and Vitis sp.) within NY. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: In newly-accepted hatch revision, focus shifts from canopy management to under-vine management to reduce vine vigor, improve fruit composition, and reduce herbicide use.

Impacts
We are hearing of many growers experimenting with under-vine cover crops to reduce vine vigor and herbicide run-off based on our work. Many growers of Cabernet franc, Cabernet sauvignon, and Merlot in the Northeast have been implementing earlier leaf removal practices as a result of our work on reducing methoxypyrazines. Some growers have been implementing shoot thinning on hybrid canopies to reduce cluster shading and improve fruit composition, and have been using training systems other than VSP for vigorous hybrid canopies.

Publications

• Sun, Q.L., G.L. Sacks, S.D. Lerch, and J.E. Vanden Heuvel. 2012. Shoot thinning and cluster thinning impact yield, fruit composition, and wine quality of Corot noir. Amer. J. Enol. Vitic. 63(1): 49-56.
• Scheiner, J.J., J.E. Vanden Heuvel, B. Pan, and G.L. Sacks. 2012. Modelling impacts of viticultural and environmental factors on 3-isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine in Cabernet franc grapes. Amer. J. Enol. Vitic. 63(1): 94-105.

Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities: 1) Multivariate study of viticulture impacts on methoxypyrazines in Cabernet franc submitted to and accepted by AJEV 2) Study on impact of shoot thinning and cluster thinning on Corot noir submitted to and accepted by AJEV completed, 3) Data collection continued in Noiret pruning/training/spacing trial 4) Data collection continued for 76.0844.24 trial 5)Data collection continued in 95.0301.01 trial. Events: The following invited presentations were based on the above work: Sacks, G.L., J.E. Vanden Heuvel, B. Pan, J. Scheiner, I. Ryona, S. Harris. 2011. Methoxypyrazines: After three decades, what's left to explore In Vino Analytica Scientia, 21-23 July, Graz, Austria. Vanden Heuvel, J.E. 2011. Managing hybrid cultivars in cool climates. Connecticut Wine Council, June 9, Wallingford CT, 25 participants. Vanden Heuvel, J.E. 2011. Canopy and cropload management for new Cornell winegrape cultivars. Massachusetts Grape and Wine Council, June 8, Belchertown MA, 25 participants Vanden Heuvel, J.E. and T.E. Martinson. 2011. Selecting a good vineyard site. Vermont Grape and Wine Council Annual Conference, June 7, Montpelier VT, 35 participants Vanden Heuvel, J.E. 2011. Managing hybrid cultivars in cool climates. Vermont Grape and Wine Council Annual Conference, June 7, Montpelier VT, 35 participants Vanden Heuvel, J.E., Q. Sun, S.D. Lerch, and G.L. Sacks. 2011. Canopy and cropload management for Corot noir and Noiret. Finger Lakes Grape Growers Conference, March 4, Waterloo, NY, 300 participants Vanden Heuvel, J.E., S.D. Lerch, A.K. Mansfield, G.L. Sacks, T.E. Martinson, and T. Schmit. 2011. Impact of canopy management practices on yield, fruit composition, wine quality, and consumer willingness-to-pay for Riesling wines. Finger Lakes Grape Growers Conference, March 4, Waterloo, NY, 300 participants Vanden Heuvel, J.E., J.J. Scheiner, and G.L. Sacks. 2011. Viticultural impacts on herbaceous aromas in red wine grapes. Midwest Grape and Wine Conference, Feb. 5, St. Charles, MO, 120 participants Vanden Heuvel, J.E., Q. Sun, S.D. Lerch, and G.L. Sacks. 2011. Canopy and cropload management for Corot noir and Noiret. Midwest Grape and Wine Conference, Feb. 5, St. Charles, MO, 80 participants Vanden Heuvel, J.E., Q. Sun and G.L. Sacks. 2011. Canopy and cropload management in hybrids. Wisconsin Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Jan. 3, Wisconsin Dells, WI, 80 participants. PARTICIPANTS: teve Lerch is the research support specialist working on the project. Collaborators included Gavin Sacks and Bruce Reisch. The New York Farm Viability Institute provides funding for the hybrid management studies, and the Viticulture Consortium East provides funding for the Noiret and 95.0301.01 training studies. TARGET AUDIENCES: The primary target group of our project is the approximately 250 NY winegrape growers and their vineyard managers who farm approximately 8,500 acres of winegrapes (Vitis vinifera L. and Vitis sp.) within NY. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Many growers of Cabernet franc, Cabernet sauvignon, and Merlot in the Northeast have been implementing earlier leaf removal practices as a result of our work on reducing methoxypyrazines. Some growers have been implementing shoot thinning on hybrid canopies to reduce cluster shading and improve fruit composition, and have been using training systems other than VSP for vigorous hybrid canopies.

Publications

• Sun, Q.L., G.L. Sacks, S.D. Lerch, and J.E. Vanden Heuvel. 2012. Shoot thinning and cluster thinning impact yield, fruit composition, and wine quality of Corot noir. Amer. J. Enol. Vitic. 63(1): In press.
• Scheiner, J.J., J.E. Vanden Heuvel, B. Pan, and G.L. Sacks. 2012. Modelling impacts of viticultural and environmental factors on 3-isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine in Cabernet franc grapes. Amer. J. Enol. Vitic. 63(1): In press.
• Berkey, T.G., A.K. Mansfield, S.D. Lerch, J.M. Meyers, and J.E. Vanden Heuvel. 2011. Cropload adjustment in Seyval blanc: Impacts on yield components, fruit composition, consumer wine preferences, and economics of production. HortTechnology 21(5): In press.
• Sun, Q.L., G.L. Sacks, S.D. Lerch, and J.E. Vanden Heuvel. 2011. Canopy microclimate and time of harvest impacts fruit composition and wine quality of Marechal Foch. Amer. J. Enol. Vitic. 62(1): 32-41.

Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities: 1) Cabernet franc leaf removal study published in AJEV 2) Multivariate study of viticulture impacts on methoxypyrazines in Cabernet franc completed, manuscript prepared for AJEV 3) Study on impact of shoot thinning and harvest date on Marechal Foch completed, manuscript accepted by AJEV 4) Manuscript in preparation for Corot noir study previously completed in 2009 5) Data collection continued in Noiret pruning/training/spacing trial 6) Data collection began in 76.0844.24 trial 7)Data collection began in 95.0301.01 trial. Events: The following invited presentations were based on the above work: Scheiner, J.J., G.L. Sacks, and J.E. Vanden Heuvel. 2010. Canopy management for reducing green flavors and aromas in Cabernet franc. Long Island Ag Forum, January 15, Riverhead, NY, 30 participants. PARTICIPANTS: Steve Lerch is the research support specialist working on the project. Justin Scheiner is a PhD student working on the methoxypyrazine studies. Collaborators included Gavin Sacks and Bruce Reisch. The New York Farm Viability Institute provides funding for the hybrid management studies, and the Viticulture Consortium East provides funding for the Noiret and 95.0301.01 training studies. TARGET AUDIENCES: The primary target group of our project is the approximately 250 NY winegrape growers and their vineyard managers who farm approximately 8,500 acres of winegrapes (Vitis vinifera L. and Vitis sp.) within NY. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PARTICIPANTS: Justine Vanden Heuvel is the PI and coordinated all of the projects. Steve Lerch is a Research Support Specialist who organized and maintained the plantings. Said Ennahli was a postdoc who completed the sampling and fruit analysis for the leaf removal experiment on Cabernet franc. Gavin Sacks is a collaborator who assists with flavor and aroma analysis. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience for industry talks (listed in outputs)is wine grape growers in the Northeast. Efforts are centered around providing information to this group so they can make decisions based on sustainability and profitability. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Many growers of Cabernet franc, Cabernet sauvignon, and Merlot in the Northeast have been implementing earlier leaf removal practices as a result of our work on reducing methoxypyrazines. Some growers have been implementing shoot thinning on hybrid canopies to reduce cluster shading and improve fruit composition, and have been using training systems other than VSP for vigorous hybrid canopies.

Publications

• Kwasniewski, M.T., J.E. Vanden Heuvel, B. Pan, and G.L. Sacks. 2010. Timing of cluster light environment manipulation during grape development affects C13 norisoprenoid and carotenoid concentration of Riesling. J. Agr. Food. Chem. 58(11): 6841-6849.
• Scheiner, J.J., G.L. Sacks, B. Pan, S. Ennahli, L. Tarleton, A. Wise, S.D. Lerch, and J.E. Vanden Heuvel. 2010. Impact of severity and timing of leaf removal on 3-isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine concentrations in red wine grapes. Amer. J. Enol. Vitic. 61(3): 358-364.
• Preszler, T.L., T.M. Schmit, and J.E. Vanden Heuvel. 2010. A model to establish economically sustainable cluster thinning practices. Amer. J. Enol. Vitic. 61(1): 140-146.
• Sun, Q.L., G.L. Sacks, S.D. Lerch, and J.E. Vanden Heuvel. 2011. Canopy microclimate and time of harvest impacts fruit composition and wine quality of Marechal Foch. Amer. J. Enol. Vitic. 62(1): In press.

Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities: 1) Cabernet franc leaf removal study completed, manuscript submitted to AJEV 2) Multivariate study of viticulture impacts on methoxypyrazines in Cabernet franc ongoing 3) Study on impact of shoot thinning and harvest date on Marechal Foch completed, manuscript in preparation 4) Last year of data collection in Corot noir study (impact of shoot and cluster thinning) 5) Data collection began in Noiret pruning/training/spacing trial 6) Training systems established for 76.0844.24 and 95.0301.01 training trials. Events: The following newsletter articles were published based on the above work: Martinson, T. and J.E. Vanden Heuvel. 2008. Sampling focus: Corot noir, canopy management and differences in vine size. In Martinson, T. and C. Gerling (Ed.). Veraison to Harvest (4th ed. Vol 2008, 3 pp.) NYSAES, Geneva, NY: Statewide viticulture extension program. Martinson, T. and J.E. Vanden Heuvel. 2008. Shoot density and canopy management for hybrids. Finger Lakes Vineyard Notes/Lake Erie Vineyard Notes/Hudson Valley Grape Newsletter (ed. Vol. Various, 4 pp.). Penn Yan, Fredonia, and Highland NY: Cornell Cooperative Extension (3 regional extension newsletters). The following conference presentations were based on the above work: Sun, Q.S., J.E. Vanden Heuvel, E.H. Lavin, T.E. Acree, and G.L. Sacks. 2009. Aroma composition of red interspecific grape variety Marechal Foch by SPME-GC/O/MS. American Chemical Society National Meeting, August 16-20, Washington, DC. Scheiner, J.J., L. Tarleton, A. Wise, G.L. Sacks, and J.E. Vanden Heuvel. 2009. Impact of basal leaf removal on methoxypyrazine concentration of Cabernet franc and Merlot. American Society of Enology and Viticulture National Meeting, June 23-26, Napa, CA. Scheiner, J.J., G.L. Sacks, and J.E. Vanden Heuvel. 2009. Multivariate analysis of viticultural impacts on methoxypyrazines in Vitis vinifera cv. Cabernet franc grape berries. American Society of Enology and Viticulture Eastern Section, July 20-22, Painsville, OH The following presentations to the grape and wine industry were based on this work: Vanden Heuvel, J.E. 2009. Crop control and canopy management for hybrids. University of Vermont Cold Climate Workshop, July 19, Burlington VT., 35 participants Scheiner, J.J., G.L. Sacks, and J.E. Vanden Heuvel. 2009. Canopy management for reducing green flavors and aromas in Cabernet franc. Pennsylvania Association of Winegrowers meeting, West Chester, PA, Aug 11, 50 participants Scheiner, J.J., G.L. Sacks, A.N. Lakso, and J.E. Vanden Heuvel. 2009. Reducing methoxypyrazines in the vineyard. Wineries Unlimited, King of Prussia, PA, March 13, 25 participants Vanden Heuvel, J.E., J.J. Scheiner, Q. Sun, and G.L. Sacks. 2009. Influence of canopy management on fruit and wine quality. Finger Lakes Grape Growers' Meeting, Waterloo, NY, March 6, 150 participants Vanden Heuvel, J.E., J. Scheiner, G. Sacks, I. Ryona, and B. Pan. 2009. Managing methoxypyrazines in Cabernet franc grapevines in New York State. Washington Area Wine Grape Growers Association Annual Meeting, Kennewick, WA Feb. 4, 250 participants PARTICIPANTS: Steve Lerch is the research support specialist working on the project. Justin Scheiner is a PhD student working on the methoxypyrazine studies. Collaborators included Gavin Sacks and Bruce Reisch. The New York Farm Viability Institute provides funding for the hybrid management studies, and the Viticulture Consortium East provides funding for the Noiret training study. TARGET AUDIENCES: The primary target group of our project is the approximately 250 NY winegrape growers and their vineyard managers who farm approximately 8,500 acres of winegrapes (Vitis vinifera L. and Vitis sp.) within NY. Vineyard talks were given in all four major growing regions (Finger Lakes, Long Island, Hudson Valley, and Western New York) this season to reach the target audiences. Additionally, a vineyard talk was given in Willsboro NY to reach new growers working with hybrids. More formal talks were given at the Finger Lakes Grape Grower Convention. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Many growers of Cabernet franc, Cabernet sauvignon, and Merlot in the Northeast have been implmenting earlier leaf removal practices as a result of our work on reducing methoxypyrazines. Some growers have been implementing shoot thinning on hybrid canopies to reduce cluster shading and improve fruit composition.

Publications

• Ennahli, S., P.A. Spada, S.D. Lerch, G.L. Sacks, and J.E. Vanden Heuvel. 2009. The impact on timing and severity of leaf removal on production of phenolics and methoxypyrazines in Cabernet franc. Amer. J. Enol. Vitic. 59(4):
• In press. Riccardi, B.M., S.D. Lerch, K.J. Arnink, and J.E. Vanden Heuvel. 2009. The effect of shoot thinning and basal leaf removal on yield and fruit composition of Noiret. Amer. J. Enol. Vitic. 59(4): In press.

Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Spacing, training, and rootstock experiment planted for hybrid selection 76.0844.24. Training and rootstock experiment planted for hybrid selection 95.0301.01. Impact of timing and severity of leaf removal experiment conducted on Cabernet Franc. Shoot thinning and harvest date experiment conducted on Marechal Foch. Shoot thinning and cropload experiments conducted on Noiret and Corot noir. The following industry talks were based on the above experiments: Vanden Heuvel, J.E. 2008. Canopy management for hybrids. New England Wine Grape Growers Workshop, Belchertown MA June 3. Vanden Heuvel, J.E. and G.L. Sacks. 2008. Herbaceousness in the vineyard and winery. NY Wine Industry Workshop, Geneva NY March 28. Vanden Heuvel, J.E. and G.L. Sacks. 2008. Herbaceousness in the vineyard and winery. Maryland Grape Growers Association/Maryland Wineries Association Annual Meeting, Ellicott City, MD, March 1. Meyers, J.M. and J.E. Vanden Heuvel. 2008. Canopy exposure mapping as a predictor of wine quality, Finger Lakes Grape Program, Penn Yan, NY. August 11. Meyers, J.M. and J.E. Vanden Heuvel. 2008. Canopy exposure mapping as a predictor of wine quality, Finger Lakes Grape Program, Branchport, NY. August 20. Meyers, J.M. and J.E. Vanden Heuvel. 2008. Canopy exposure mapping as a predictor of wine quality, Lake Erie Grape Program, Westfield NY. Sept 4. Vanden Heuvel, J.E. and T.E. Martinson, 2008. Canopy management in hybrid grapes. Seminar via polycom at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Duchess county, May 8. Vanden Heuvel, J.E. and T.E. Martinson, 2008. Canopy management in hybrid grapes. Seminar at Branchport Public Library for Finger Lakes growers, May 1. Vanden Heuvel, J.E. and T.E. Martinson, 2008. Canopy management in hybrid grapes. Seminar at Liberty Vineyards for Lake Erie region growers, April 24. The following conference presentations were based on the above experiments: Ennahli, S., P.A. Spada, S.D. Lerch, G.L. Sacks, and J.E. Vanden Heuvel. 2008. The impact on timing and severity of leaf removal on production of phenolics and methoxypyrazines in Cabernet franc. American Society of Enology and Viticulture Eastern Section, St. Catherine's ON, July 14-16. Riccardi, B.M., S.D. Lerch, K.J. Arnink, and J.E. Vanden Heuvel. 2008. The effect of shoot thinning and basal leaf removal on yield and fruit composition of Noiret. American Society of Enology and Viticulture Eastern Section, St. Catherine's ON, July 14-16. PARTICIPANTS: Justine Vanden Heuvel is the PI and coordinated all of the projects. Steve Lerch is a Research Support Specialist who organized and maintained the plantings. Said Ennahli was a postdoc who completed the sampling and fruit analysis for the leaf removal experiment on Cabernet franc. Gavin Sacks is a collaborator who assists with flavor and aroma analysis. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience for industry talks (listed in outputs)is wine grape growers in the Northeast. Efforts are centered around providing information to this group so they can make decisions based on sustainability and profitability. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
This project is only entering it's second year, so it's early to determine outcomes/impacts. The significant impact so far is a change in knowledge of some of the grape growers in the Northeast as a result of sharing the early results of the hybrid canopy management studies.

Publications

• No publications reported this period