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Field Walk September 2003 Important Things to Consider Before Planting a Vineyard on Former Farm Land. Evaluating Plantback Intervals Following Residual
Herbicides for New Vineyards Leslie A. Huffman1 and
H. Peter Pfeifer2 1
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, and 2 Euro
Nurseries and Vineyards Harrow, Ontario
New vineyard sites
may contain herbicide residues from previous crops that will stunt new
vines, reducing yields and vine health for many years. Soybean and corn herbicides containing imazethapyr and
flumetsalem have caused severe stunting to new vines. Chemical
analysis of soil for herbicide residues may not be practical due to
the expense, the inaccuracy of soil sampling, and the lack of
information to correlate herbicide levels with crop safety. Herbicide
companies recommend using a field bioassay. This technique was tested
on three sites. Vine growth was significantly reduced where
imazethapyr or flumetsalem was used the previous year. One problem is
the need for virgin sites for adequate comparison of vine growth. This
technique is of limited use because the sample site chosen may not
have residues, and that one growing season is required to complete it.
Greenhouse bioassays were also evaluated as an inexpensive method to
assess residues. Soil samples were taken on a grid pattern from 2
fields with unknown herbicide use histories to determine suitability
for new grape plantings. Each
soil sample was placed in a tray in a greenhouse, and planted with
known numbers of seeds of sugar beets, tomatoes, and/or oats. No
stunting was observed from either site for 4 weeks, but by 6 weeks one
field showed severe stunting. Vines were planted in the non-stunting
site the following spring showing no adverse results. An in-field
bioassay was tried in a field showing severe injury to new grapevines.
Sugar beets and tomatoes were planted as test crops directly into
areas suspected of having herbicide residues due to severely stunted
crops. The sugar beet and tomato test crops did not show any effect
for 4 weeks, but by 6 weeks were showing degrees of stunting and/or
death. This technique is interesting to diagnose areas in the field
where stunting is obvious. It may be useful to detect residues in the
field during the year before planting.
However, it will not give a quick answer about herbicide
residues at the time of planting new vines.
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FIELDWALK
SEPTEMBER 4 / 2001 AT THE EURO FARM IN HARROW ONTARIO.
As a part of the ongoing efforts to learn more about grapes and grape growing we had scheduled to meet at the beginning of the harvest season and take a good and close look at some of our varieties , grown in Southwest Ontario.
One major objective was to compare the varieties against each other, by stage of development , growth-pattern and ripening-stage. The wine-masters and wine makers from our area were also invited to have their say regarding the various varieties and the performance in the wine cellar .We also tried to assess their future potential, a very important point for the growers that are thinking about expanding.
We have to see this topic from two sides and the question is not only "Can we grow it and ripen it ?" It is also: "Can we make a good wine out of it that can be sold and can stand up to competition from where ever?"
In order to help with the evaluation we had quite a number of varieties that could be tasted and the wine masters were given time to explain their likes and dislikes.
Here is the list of varieties and clones. Varieties in bold letters were available in liquid form as well.
White varieties
Red varieties
our trial of new breedings from Switzerland
In all 18 interested parties showed up for the walk and tasting, also as an added bonus we had the grape harvester on the farm for the first day of harvest.
Below: wine maker Martin Janz of the Pelee Island Winery giving his comments.
Below: wine maker Steve Brocks of the Grapetree Estate Estate Winery and discuss their tastings.
