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By: Imed Dami and Diane Kinney, HCS-OSU

This article summarizes the 2021 dormant and growing seasons and the impact of weather on grape varieties grown on the research vineyard at the OSU-OARDC in Wooster, Ohio. 

Weather: Temperature

Our weather trends for 2021 were nearly identical during January and March to 2020 with very warm temperatures.  We had a slight drop during February with a recorded low in Wooster of -2.4 oF on the 17th.  That was our lowest temperature for the winter months.  We were fortunate to avoid any spring frost events. Temperatures during the ripening period of August through October remained above the long-term average. October temperature was nearly 8F above average, which was ideal for fruit ripening. The fall killing frost occurred on November 3rd in Wooster. The year ended with nearly 10F above normal in December which is not ideal for vine cold acclimation.

Weather:  GDD

In comparison with 2020, although our average daily temperature was about 8 degrees warmer in January for 2021, we did not gain any GDDs until March.  But we doubled the average that single month.   In October, GDD (300) were more than double the 30-year average. Warm temperatures during the ripening season pushed us well above both 2020 (3000 GDD) and the 30-year average (3063 GDD) ending with 3295 GDD. 

Weather:  Precipitation

2021 ended with a total cumulative rainfall of only 30.99”.  Rainfall was below normal in 8 out of the 12 months, especially in the winter and spring months. The trend in the downward direction has continued over the past 4 years, which may be an indicator of drought cycle in Ohio that may linger for a period of time. July was the wettest month with 6.75”.  The ripening period was relatively dry which helped keep the fruit clean.

Vineyard Notes:

2021 Spring freeze injury:  Once again, we dodged the spring frost bullet in Wooster.   This was a very good thing as the warm temperatures in mid-March (low 60’s on March 24th) found bud swell occurring earlier than we would hope.  Thankfully, the temps dropped at the end of March and early April to slow growth down a bit.

Diseases and insects:  Our biggest enemy this year by far was a larger than normal population of bald faced hornets, yellow jackets and honey bees. We did observe some Downy Mildew in susceptible varieties.  The dry spring and early ripening period allowed for a clean fruit at harvest  Little damage occurred from wildlife this year which is dramatically different from past years.

Fruit quality: The dry/warm weather in August and September helped our fruit develop quickly with our first harvest being on August 23rd. After an initial burst, fruit ripening slowed to a more manageable  harvest schedule ending on October 19th. Crop yields were high in most varieties. In general, berry weights and sugars were higher and acid was lower than in 2020, an indication of more ripe fruit for 2021 vintage.

2021 Harvest fruit composition of selected grape varieties at the Wooster research vineyard:

Variety	Harvest Date	100 Berry wt (g)	SS (%)	pH	T.A. (g/L)	FMI
Aromella	16-Sep	206	17.4
Brianna	23-Aug	267	16.5	3.1	7.3	23
Cabernet franc	14-Oct	186	19.9	3.28	8.2	24
Chambourcin	19-Oct	261	22.9	3.27	8.7	27
Chardonnay	21-Sep	157	21	3.35	7.4	28
Crimson Pearl	17-Sep	218	21.8	3.45	7.2	30
Einset	31-Aug	259	19.8	3.41	4.2	48
Frontenac	23-Sep	130	22.5	3.4	14.4	16
Frontenac blanc	14-Sep	125	23.3	3.24	13.2	18
Itasca	9-Sep	138	20.6	3.12	10.2	20
Jupiter	8-Sep	427	18.3	3.18	5	37
La Crescent	23-Sep	139	23.6	3.25	12.2	19
Marquette	9-Sep	146	23	2.84	13.4	17
Petite Pearl	28-Sep	119	23.5	3.51	7.2	33
Regent	10-Sep	223	20.4	3.01	6.5	32
Sauvignon blanc 27	28-Sep	184	22	3.23	7.3	30
Vanessa	1-Sep	252	17.8	2.75	4.5	39
Verona	5-Oct	221	21.5	3.34	7.9	27

By: Maria Smith, HCS-OSU

Two recent press releases issued by the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the arrival of the invasive Spotted Lanternfly (SLF; Lycorma deliatula) in Cuyahoga County, Ohio and the first detection of SLF in Indiana.

The following statement was released yesterday from the Ohio Department of Agriculture:

Spotted Lanternfly Found in Cuyahoga County

ODA Plant Pest inspectors confirmed living, adult SLF are in the area. An inspector with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), also confirmed a population of the SLF has been found at a secondary location, near the initial report.

A railroad line connects both locations.

ODA has been working with the United States Department of Agriculture, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension, and the Ohio Grape Industries Committee to do visual surveys, insect trapping, and outreach in the region.

SLF is a great concern to the grape and wine industry. The insect is fond of grapevines, fruit trees, hops, blueberry, oak, pine, poplar, and walnut. Adult SLF are attracted to the invasive Ailanthus tree, also known as tree-of-heaven, while nymphs feed on a wide range of hosts. Both adults and nymphs feed on stems and leaves, causing sap bleeding and reduced photosynthesis, which can eventually kill the plant.

Now through November is the best time to spot the SLF because it is in its most recognizable stages as a colorful winged adult plant hopper. After hatching in the late spring, the SLF goes through four nymph stages. By midsummer, the nymph SLF can be identified by its red body, roughly a half-inch in size, with black stripes and white dots. During the late summer until roughly November, the SLF is in the adult stage. These adults are larger, roughly one inch in size, with black bodies and brightly colored wings.

The public is the first line of defense against the SLF. If you believe you have seen an SLF in your area, you can easily report a suspected infestation by going to ODA’s Spotted Lanternfly Information Page and filling out a suspected infestation report. You may also call the Plant Pest Control Division at 614-728-6400.

The following statement is the shared from the Indiana DNR:

Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) was found in Indiana for the first time in Switzerland County earlier this week, the farthest west the insect has been found. This federally regulated invasive species has a detrimental impact upon plant growth and fruit production, especially in vineyards and orchards.

A homeowner in Vevay contacted DNR’s Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology (DEPP) with a picture that was taken outside his home of a fourth instar. DEPP staff surveyed the site and discovered an infestation in the woodlot adjacent to a few homes in the area. The site is within 2 miles of the Ohio River and the Markland Dam. DEPP and USDA are conducting an investigation to determine exactly how large the infestation is and where it could have come from, as well as how to limit the spread and eradicate the population.

Spotted lanternfly is a planthopper that originated in Asia. It was first discovered in the United States in Pennsylvania in 2014. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture tried to limit the spread of this pest, but it excels at being a hitchhiker and is often spread unknowingly by humans.

Adult spotted lanternfly has two sets of wings, and the underwing has a very distinct red color with spots on the outer wings. The fourth instar of the insect is bright red with black and white markings. The egg masses of this invasive insect look like mud and they can be spread by vehicle transport including recreational vehicles, cargo carriers (truck transport) and freight trains. They can also be spread through trade materials sold in infested areas that are shipped out of state including nursery stock, outdoor furniture, lumber, etc. Anyone receiving goods from the east coast should inspect for signs of the insect, especially if the commodity is to be kept outdoors.

Spotted lanternfly prefers to feed on tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), but it has been found on more than 103 species of plant including walnut, oak, maple, and various fruit trees. This insect is often found on grapevines in vineyards. Adult insects have piercing, sucking mouthparts and weaken the plants through feeding on them, which can make it difficult for the plant to survive the winter months. Congregating spotted lanternfly insects produce a sticky substance called “honeydew” in large quantities that over time becomes infested with sooty mold that attracts other pests in the area.

The Indiana DNR is asking for all citizens to keep an eye out for spotted lanternfly. The bright color of both the fourth instar and the adults of the insect should be present at this time of the year. Anyone that spots signs of the spotted lanternfly should contact DEPP by calling 866-NO EXOTIC (866-663-9684) or send an email to DEPP@dnr.IN.gov. For more information on this or other invasive pests see the following link https://www.in.gov/dnr/entomology/pests-of-concern/spotted-lanternfly/

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The updated map below shows the latest distribution of SLF in the eastern US. Currently, Ohio has two populations of SLF, one in Jefferson County (SE) and one in Cuyahoga County (NE).

Fig 1. Distribution of SLF infestations and positively identified individuals, updated August 30, 2021. Not included: Cuyahoga County population announced September 2. Map from https://nysipm.cornell.edu/environment/invasive-species-exotic-pests/spotted-lanternfly/.

Reminder: Be on the lookout for adult SLF and egg masses!

Now through November is the easiest time to be looking out for SLF since most are in their distinct adult form (Fig. 2). During this time, egg masses containing upwards of 30 to 50 eggs per mass are laid by adults. These egg masses are commonly laid on hard surfaces near where SLF are feeding and contribute to rapid increases in local population size (Fig. 3). If you suspect sightings of either SLF nymphs, adults, or egg masses, contact ODA via the Spotted Lanternfly Information Page or by contacting the Plant Pest Control Division at 614-728-6400.

To date, SLF have not been found in Ohio vineyards. Help do your part to reduce the spread by having guests from known areas with SLF to inspect vehicles before arriving and departing your vineyard or winery!

Fig 2. Adult SLF. Photo credit: NYSIPM (https://nysipm.cornell.edu)

Fig 3. SLF egg masses take on a putty-like appearance at first and visually changes over time. Photo credit: Erica Smyers

For additional resources on SLF, visit:

NYSIPM SLF Resource List: https://nysipm.cornell.edu/environment/invasive-species-exotic-pests/spotted-lanternfly/spotted-lanternfly-resources/

What should you do with Spotted Lanternfly Egg Masses? (PSU): https://extension.psu.edu/what-should-you-do-with-spotted-lanternfly-egg-masses

Spotted Lanternfly Extension Resources (PSU): https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly

Mark your calendars! Four upcoming Regional SLF Management Workshops for Fall 2021 and Spring 2022

OSU Extension in collaboration with the Ohio Grape Industries Committee will be providing 4 upcoming regional workshops on identifying, monitoring, and managing SLF. These workshops are being developed with separate sessions that target both commercial stakeholders and homeowners. Additional details and registration will be forthcoming.

By: Dr. Maria Smith, Diane Kinney, and Dr. Imed Dami – HCS-OSU

Budbreak came far too early this year and along with it, problems with frost. Since the chilly days of early May, however, it’s felt impossible to keep up with the pace of growth this season. Let’s look at where we’re at as we head into the summer.

Weather:

As discussed in April, exceptionally warm (nearly 6 °F above average!) and dry conditions throughout March lead to accelerated budbreak days to weeks ahead of average (Fig 1). The months of April and May, however, were much cooler (May was approximately 4 °F below average) and punctuated by several freeze events that damaged new shoots across the state (See: Impact of April Frost/Freeze on Grapes in Ohio). June has generally rebounded to warm, above average temperatures (Fig 2). Throughout the first half of the year, we have remained quite dry here in Wooster and throughout much of Ohio, while the perimeter of the state has seen slightly more rainfall, particularly over the past several weeks (Fig 1 and 2).

 

Fig 1. Average monthly temperature (left) and precipitation (right) in Wooster, OH from January through May for 2019, 2020, 2021, and the 10-year average.

Fig 2. Average state-wide temperature and precipitation departures from the 30-year average from May 23 – June 21, 2021. Figure from https://climate.osu.edu

Phenology:

As of June 21, Wooster is at 1024 GDD, which is approximately 60 GDD ahead of the long-term average. Current phenology of vines in Wooster varies between full-bloom to fruit-set (Fig 3), and all varieties completed bloom (50%) by the week of June 14^th (Table 1). At this stage of growth, berries are rapidly growing and remain susceptible to major grape diseases through the next several weeks.

Fig 3. Phenological stages range between full bloom through fruit set on 16 July 2021 for varieties at Unit 2 in Wooster (photo credit: Diane Kinney)

Table 1. 2021 Bloom dates and corresponding GDD of selected varieties grown at the research vineyard in Wooster.

	2021
Variety	50% bloom	GDD                   1 Jan - bloom	GDD                    1 Apr - bloom
Aromella	7-Jun	589	535
Brianna	4-Jun	519	464
Chambourcin	9-Jun	637	582
Chardonnay	7-Jun	589	535
Dolcetto	14-Jun	756	701
Frontenac	4-Jun	519	464
Itasca	4-Jun	519	464
LaCrescent	4-Jun	519	464
Marquette	4-Jun	519	464
Petit Manseng	11-Jun	684	629
Regent	7-Jun	589	535
Riesling	11-Jun	684	629
Sauvignon blanc	14-Jun	756	701
Teroldego	14-Jun	756	701

Cultural Practices at OARDC Wooster:

Pruning for the 2021 season started late this year towards the end of March.  Up to this point, we had a very mild winter with some very unseasonably warm weather (60 ^oF on the last day of February) with our lowest recorded temperature of -0.9 ^oF.   Therefore, “normal” pruning was conducted without adjusting for bud injury like we did in the past few years.

Budbreak across the vineyard occurred very rapidly within a 12-day period one to two weeks earlier than expected in mid-April.  May followed with a bit more rain and warm temperatures which encouraged rapid shoot growth.  Besides taking some time to plant replacement vines including Cabernet franc on different rootstocks we also replaced a couple of varieties that were not faring well with completely new varieties.  It has been a race against shoot growth to keep up with training and suckering younger vines in both VSP and high cordon training systems as well as tucking shoots in the VSP.  We have had very good fruitset across the vineyard after an early bloom.  Leaf removal will be coming up very soon followed by cluster thinning to desired crop loads.

We have applied 3 fungicide cover sprays to the vineyard to this point in mid-June and will begin watching for the Japanese Beetle’s arrival in the coming week. 

Timely management reminders – midseason:

Vegetation management: Tucking (VSP), combing (HWC), hedging/skirting, fruit-zone leaf removal

The goal of vegetation management in the midseason is ensuring that the canopy is open for air flow, sunlight exposure, and adequate fungicide coverage. Open canopies with optimal sunlight exposure of the fruit provides the best environment for disease management and fruit ripening later in the season.

Leaf removal has received the most questions recently, in regard to timing.

When is the best time to remove leaves surrounding the clusters? Leaf removal should be performed between fruit-set and pea-size berries. While leaf removal can be done earlier just prior to or during bloom (“early leaf removal” or ELR), the best timing for leaf removal for most varieties begins at fruit-set. When performed between fruit-set and pea-size stages, potential yield reductions are minimized (this contrasts with ELR) and the risk of berry sun is reduced.

Can leaves be removed later? Yes, there are still benefits to disease management and phenolic developments when leaves are removed later in the season, but again, berry sunburn is a concern and more caution for exposure intensity should be considered.

Leaf removal intensity may depend on vineyard location, variety, and training system. White varieties, very early ripening varieties, and those trained as HWC may only require defoliation on the shaded side of the canopy (usually East side with rows oriented North/South) instead of both sides of the canopy to avoid overexposure to sunlight and higher temperatures.    

Crop load management: Planning for cluster thinning, crop estimation

Some high-yielding varieties with high cluster counts (3+ clusters per shoot), large clusters, or very late ripening varieties benefit from moderate yield reductions to improve fruit maturity and winter hardiness. Examples include: Chambourcin, Cabernet franc, and Regent.

If there is a need to cluster thin, the optimal time to complete is between pea-size and bunch closure stages. This maximizes the impact of thinning on fruit ripening while minimizing berry size increases due to compensation from cluster removal. In some cases, retaining 2 clusters per shoot is sufficient to fully ripen the remaining crop, and in more severe over-cropping cases, retaining only 1 basal cluster may be necessary.

**For growers with new vines, removing clusters benefits shoot growth in the initial years of vine establishment. If clusters have not yet been removed, you should do so.

Crop estimation is very useful for managing vineyard economics and identifying potential vine imbalances in crop level. There are several methods for predicting yield, one of which is called “lag-phase method” and is based on midseason cluster weight at the lag-phase of berry development (See: Crop Estimation of Grapes).

Nutrition management: Watch for symptoms of deficiency, plan for veraison tissue analysis

Many vine nutrient deficiencies begin to appear in older leaves just after the nutrient-intensive periods of bloom and fruit-set. Since deficiency symptoms may take on a similar appearance, it is best to positively identify the deficiency and possible causes through tissue and soil analysis before attempting to correct. Monitoring vine and soil nutrient status on a regular basis aids in reducing acute onset of nutrient deficiencies. For more information on sampling vine tissue analysis, see: Grapevine Nutrient Management: Petiole Sampling and Analysis.

Welcome Megan!

The viticulture program would like to welcome our new hire, Megan Soehnlen.  Megan is a recent graduate of Walsh College and joined us in May as a Research Assistant. 

Elizabeth Y. Long, Horticultural Entomologist, Purdue University
Adjunct Horticultural Entomologist, The Ohio State University

A natural wonder will occur in 15 states this year: the emergence of the Brood X, 17-year periodical cicadas! Also known as “17-year or 13-year locusts” the last mass emergence of these insects occurred in 2004. Now, 17 years later, the immature cicadas will emerge from the ground, molt one last time to gain wings, and “sing” loudly to find mates and lay eggs in trees and woody shrubs.

Periodical cicadas: where and when?

Many of you likely remember when the Brood V, 17-year periodical cicadas emerged in Ohio in 2016 (Fig. 1, purple shading on map). That emergence occurred in key grape-growing counties in northeastern Ohio. However in 2021, activity of the Brood X, 17-year cicadas will be heaviest in west-central and south-west Ohio (Fig. 1, yellow shading on map), with emergence taking place late May through June.
 

Figure 1. Active periodical cicada broods of the United States. Yellow-colored counties indicate areas where 17-year cicadas are predicted to emerge in 2021. Image credit: AM Liebhold, www.fs.fed.us

You will see two distinct life stages of these charismatic insects: the nymphs and the adults.

Although there is no single degree-day model to predict the emergence perfectly across regions, it’s generally agreed that when soil temperatures warm up to 65 °F or so, the nymphs will begin to emerge from the soil. The nymphs are wingless, just a bit creepy, and dark golden-brown in color (Figure 2). After emerging from the ground, nymphs crawl up tree trunks and items like patio furniture, to molt - leaving behind their cast skin (exoskeleton).

Figure 2. Periodical cicada nymph (cast ‘skin’). Photo: John Obermeyer

The adults are 1.5 to 2-inches long, with black bodies and reddish-colored legs, wing margins, and eyes (Figure 3). Newly emerged adults may appear pale or white in color until the exoskeleton has hardened and darkened (Figure 4). Adult periodical cicadas live for ~1 month, and during this time the males produce shrill “songs” to attract females using vibrating organs called tymbals - how romantic! Females cut slits into twigs of woody plants to lay eggs that hatch in 6-7 weeks. After hatching, the next generation of 17-year cicada nymphs drop to the ground and dig down into the soil, where they will remain for another 17 years feeding on sap from tree roots.

Figure 3. An adult periodical cicada on my arm

 

Figure 4. A newly emerged adult periodical cicada, before its exoskeleton has hardened and darkened. Photo: Jane Chandler

Why the mass emergence? This is a life history strategy to satiate predators (Figure 5, they can’t eat them all!) and maximize the chances that the majority of periodical cicadas will survive to mate and lay eggs.

Figure 5. Periodical cicadas have many predators, including chipmunks. Photo: Emily Keith

Damage

• The good news is periodical cicadas do not bite or sting people, or pets.
• The bad news is females lay eggs in 200+ woody tree species and can cause severe damage to young trees and grapevines (Figure 6).

Figure 6. Cutting/slitting egg laying damage caused by female periodical cicadas on grapevines. Photo: E. Y. Long

Apples, cherries, peaches, plums, and grapevines are at high risk, because these hosts are preferred for egg laying by female cicadas. However, any young trees and grapevines with main branches, stems, and canes between 3/16-inch and 7/16-inch in diameter are susceptible to damage and should be the main focus of protective efforts.

Egg laying physically weakens and damages branches and canes, which may turn brown, die, and break off (“flagging”). Under heavy attack, the loss of branches and canes can cause serious damage or death to young trees and grapevines. It is also possible that nymphs feeding on roots reduces vigor.

Management

Step #1: Cultural control

• Delay new plantings in 2021, either until the emergence has ended, or next spring.
• Plan accordingly for future emergence of periodical cicadas broods in Ohio: (Table 1, below).

Table 1. When and where 17-year periodical cicadas will emerge in Ohio in the future.

Brood number	Race	Year to appear	Where they will appear
XIV (14)	17-year	2025	South-west/south-central Ohio.

Step #2: Mechanical control (recommended for small orchards/vineyards, backyard fruit trees/grapevines, and organic production)

1. Net grapevines with mesh screening (no larger than 1/2-inch openings), when first males begin singing (before egg laying begins), to prevent females from accessing the plant to deposit eggs.
Cover grapevines and secure the netting to/near the trunk, the ground, or lower trellis wire (Figure 7). Remove after adult periodical cicada activity ends.

Figure 7. Example of netting grapevines to exclude female periodical cicadas. Photo: Wikimedia.org

Step #3: Chemical control (recommended for settings where netting is not feasible, like large/commercial vineyards)

IMPORTANT: Chemical control is not as effective as netting. While netting is applied once to exclude egg-laying females, insecticides must be applied repeatedly against “waves of cicadas” during the ~1-month activity period of adults to prevent or reduce injury to grapevines.

Insecticides are not recommended to protect mature grapevines, because these vines can tolerate egg laying damage. However, insecticide applications can reduce periodical cicada injury to young grapevines:

1. Once egg laying begins, insecticides may be applied:

• Every 3-4 days, to help prevent injury, or
• Every 7-10 days, to help reduce injury
• Soil-applied, systemic insecticides are not effective against periodical cicadas.

Scout vineyards every 2-3 days during egg laying to evaluate how well insecticide applications are protecting young grapevines.

Pyrethroid insecticides are recommended against periodical cicadas because they have fast knock down and good residual activity; however, commercial producers should beware flare-ups of spider mites when using pyrethroid insecticides like Baythroid XL (active ingredient: cyfluthrin), and Mustang Maxx (active ingredient: zeta-cypermethrin) against periodical cicadas, because they also kill beneficial, predatory mites that typically keep spider mites at bay. Pyrethroids like Danitol (active ingredient: Fenpropathrin) and Brigade (active ingredient: Bifenthrin) are unlikely to cause spider mite flare-ups when used below the maximum rate.

Commercial producers can refer to the 2021-2022 Midwest Fruit Pest Management Guide for insecticide recommendations.

Homeowners can use products with active ingredients permethrin (Bonide Eight), zeta-cypermethrin (GardenTech Sevin), or gamma-cyhalothrin (Spectracide Triazicide Concentrate for Lawns and Landscapes) against periodical cicada on backyard fruit and ornamental trees and shrubs.

For your safety, always read and follow the instructions on pesticide labels.

In summary, here are some quick “take home messages:”

• 17-year cicada emergence will occur in west-central and south-west Ohio late May through June.
• Female cicadas damage twigs, branches, and canes 3/16-inch to 7/16-inch in diameter by cutting into them to lay eggs.
• If you have an orchard, vineyard, or backyard fruit trees/vines: prepare to take action when you hear the first males begin to “sing.”
• Focus protective efforts (netting, insecticide applications) on young trees and grapevines, because they are most vulnerable.
• Select and use insecticides judiciously to reduce flare-ups of secondary pests, like spider mites.