Performing Department
Plant Sciences
Non Technical Summary
The purpose of the proposed project is to evaluate and identifynew promising grape germplasmcultivars for diverse edaphic and climatic zones of Wyoming, thus overcoming obstacles to initial vineyard establishment, resulting in increased production and early returns. The project will study establishment, growth, yield and quality attributes of new grapevine germplasmat the Sheridan R&E center. Identification of cultivars suitable for specific regions of Wyoming will assist growers and homeowners make the right choice of cultivar/s, improve production and enable a faster recovery of establishment costs. Active involvement of stakeholders will ensure greater success for project execution and dissemination of information to growers throughout the state.
Animal Health Component
0%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
20%
Applied
80%
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
1. Screen the viticulture characteristics of clones, cultivars and elite germplasm with significant potential throughout the USA.
3. Conduct explorations of new germplasm and lesser-known cultivars that may have economic potential for the US wine industry.
Project Methods
We will analyze cold injury to grapevine cordons, canes and compound buds in vineyards correlate observed cold injury with existing canopy management practices. Grapevine cane samples will be collected in early spring and analyzed for damage to compound buds. Similarly cordon and trunk damage to vines in the vineyard will be recorded. Plant growth including height and number of shoots will be recorded during the first two years. Time required for trunk and cordon establishment will be recorded. Dates for bud break, flowering, veraison, and ripening will be recorded along with quality parameters such as berry TSS, pH and titrable acitidy. We will measure acclimation rates of various grapevine cultivars by studying the rate of periderm hardening in shoots, timing of bud abscission and overall growth of vines following veraison. Yields will be collected for each cultivar to compare overall performance in Wyoming.