Vineyard manager survey to measure interest in novel cold protection practice

Paolo Sabbatini<sabbatin@msu.edu>, Michigan State University, Department of Horticulture -

Input from wine grape growers through this survey will help researchers determine interest in a method to protect popular grape varieties from extreme cold.

Photo: Duke Elsner, MSU Extension.
Photo: Duke Elsner, MSU Extension.

The polar vortex events of 2014 and 2015 reminded us that plantings of the most popular grape varieties are risky since they are the most vulnerable to cold damage. Thanks to a variety of winter protection methods such as soil hilling, many of these cold tender varieties have recovered and have been grown successfully. However, there has been a high cost to produce a yield of optimum quantity at a competitive price from these varieties grown in our climatically challenged region. The good news is there are alternate methods to soil hilling with less negative impact on the grapevine and the environment.

Please take a 16-question survey by Feb. 10 so we can gauge your interest in this novel method. Completing the survey will take less than 10 minutes.

Access the survey at: New Mulch Delivery System for Vineyards Survey

Imed Dami from The Ohio State University is leading a new effort on grapevine cold hardiness and has developed the survey for wine grape growers. He will be collecting and sharing the results of the survey across the entire Midwest. Your feedback is greatly appreciated on this important issue that keeps threatening the growth and sustainability of the grape and wine industry in Michigan. Thank you.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

Did you find this article useful?

You Might Also Be Interested In

Tag List
  • agriculture,
  • fruit & nuts,
  • grapes,
  • msu extension
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).