Recent Blog Posts
By: Maria Smith, HCS-OSU
Finally! In the past week, the sun’s come out and so have the growing degree days (GDD). In fact, we have added 80 GDD (base 50 F) in Wooster since Monday alone. We pay so much attention to GDD because it is the primary driver of phenological development for plants. But did you know that it also determines insect lifecycles as well?
…It does, and we can use it to take advantage of when to monitor and manage insect pests in the vineyard. And even if not in the vineyard yet, like Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), we should still be taking advantage of GDD to know when we need to look for various life stages on major host plants.
SLF Egg Hatch prediction map
As of today, SLF range anywhere between about 1% hatch through 100% hatch, depending on location in the state (Fig 1).
Fig 1. SLF Percent of predicted hatch, from https://tools.cei.psu.edu/slf/
What should you be on the lookout for?
Currently, Ohio has 3 known counties with SLF populations: Cuyahoga, Lorain, and Jefferson counties (Fig 2). We expect egg hatch to be further along in Jefferson County than in the more northern Lorain and Cuyahoga counties. It is not unreasonable to suspect that there are other populations out there yet to be identified, therefore it would be prudent to regularly scout for tree-of-heaven (Fig 3) and SLF (Fig 4, 5). At this early point in the season, if you find SLF, you're most likely to encounter older or hatched egg masses (Fig 4) or early instar nymphs (Fig 5). In contrast to egg masses (immobile) and adults (large, showy), newly hatched nymphs are small and mobile, and more difficult to find (Fig 5). At this stage, the first instar nymphs are approximately ¼” in length with black and white spots. They are easily confused with other small insects, but to me look most like ticks. If you have a regular tree-of-heaven that you scout and would like to capture nymphs, using circle traps is one of the preferred methods for catching early SLF nymphs. Circle traps can be purchased through Great Lakes IPM or can be made DIY.
Fig 2. Current SLF distribution map, March 28, 2022. From https://nysipm.cornell.edu
Fig 3. Tree-of-Heaven stand (left) and trunk (right), found near downtown Wooster, OH, October 2021. Tree-of-heaven has shallow-fissured, greenish-brown bark, large compound leaves with two terminal leaflets, and persistent, prolific number of seeds on female trees that develop mid-summer.
Fig 4. SLF egg masses at various ages and coverings. Photo from: https://extension.psu.edu/what-should-you-do-with-spotted-lanternfly-egg-masses
Fig 5. Early instar nymph, SLF, Photo: L. Barringer, PA Dept. of Agriculture, https://bugwood.org
Increasing the search beyond tree-of-heaven (republished from ODA):
Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) has been identified on 172 hosts, some of which were determined to not be hosts on which feeding occurred. Through survey and research observations, there are several hosts on which SLF life stages are seen in higher frequency. Listed below are the hosts which can be surveyed to increase the potential for detection of SLF. SLF population levels and life stage will affect visual survey efforts with lower populations and early instars being more challenging to detect even with the higher frequency hosts at the time of survey.
Egg mass hosts are not listed in terms of high frequency of occurrence as egg masses can be found on many different tree and plant species as well as inanimate objects.
References
Penn State Extension Spotted Lanternfly website, Spotted Lanternfly Management for Residents, Landscape Professionals, Vineyards
Houping Liu, Seasonal Development, Cumulative Growing Degree-Days, and Population Density of Spotted Lanternfly (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) on Selected Hosts and Substrates, Environmental Entomology, Volume 49, Issue 5, October 2020, Pages 1171–118
Houping Liu, Richard Hartlieb, Spatial Distribution of Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) Egg Masses on Tree-of-Heaven, Black Walnut, and Siberian Elm in North America, Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 113, Issue 2, December 2019, pages 1028-1032.
Joseph Keller, J. Rost, K. Hoover, J. Urban, H. Leach, M. Porras, B. Walsh, M. Bosold, and D. Calvin, Dispersion Patterns and Sample Size Estimates for Egg Masses of Spotted Lanternfly (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), Environmental Entomology, Volume 49, Issue 6, October 2020, pages 1462-1472.
Lawrence Barringer, Claire M Ciafré, Worldwide Feeding Host Plants of Spotted Lanternfly, With Significant Additions From North America, Environmental Entomology, Volume 49, Issue 5, October 2020, Pages 999–1011.
REPORT FIRST!
If you suspect presence of SLF, report your findings to the Ohio Department of Agriculture by calling 614-728-6400, emailing plantpest@agri.ohio.gove, or filling out the online report. Sightings of all invasive species in Ohio can be reported using the Great Lakes Early Detection Network App, which can also be used to report repeated negative or positive findings of tree-of-heaven and SLF. Please take photos and exact locations (GPS, identifiable landmarks, etc.) to file with your report.
By: Maria Smith, HCS-OSU
Following last weekend’s warm weather, bud break has arrived in many early varieties (e.g., Marquette, La Crescent, Itasca, Marechal Foch). These varieties are now more vulnerable to freeze and frost events since more developed shoots are progressively less tolerant of temperatures below 32 F (Figure 1, Table 1).
Figure 1. Bud break, E-L stage 4, Monday, April 25, 2022. Photo credit: Diane Kinney
Table 1. Estimated critical temperatures (°F) of Pinot noir at different stages of bud/shoot development
|
|
Swell |
Bud break |
First leaf |
Second leaf |
Third leaf |
|
Pinot noir |
26.6 |
28.0 |
28.4 |
28.9 |
30.0 |
Once again, Ohio is forecast for widespread frost and freeze through Saturday (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Freeze warnings and forecast temperatures for Apr 27, 2022. Figures from www.weather.gov
Thanks in part to the persistent cold temperatures throughout March and April, overall bud break is behind where we were at this time in both 2020 and 2021, which means total expected damage should likely be lower relative to the past 2 years. However, if your vineyard might be affected by the upcoming frost/freeze advisory, reviewing options for protection may be helpful in mitigating damage this week and in future spring cold injury events.
Be prepared - Resources on spring frost protection and recovery:
Spring frost is a topic we have covered extensively in 2021 and 2022. We have republished guidance here, and more detailed information can be found in the newly published Bulletin 920: “Spring Frost Injury of Grapevines and Protection Methods”
Methods prior to frost event
- Delayed pruning: similar to 2020, vines have more advanced phenology than normal and buds are pushing earlier as a result of above average temepratures. Delayed pruning helps with delaying budbreak.
- Double-pruning: the rationale is similar to delayed pruning. With 1st pruning, you leave extra buds per vine. Due to apical dominance, apical buds push earlier than basal buds. If frost occurs, basal buds (which are delayed in growing) will be less likely to be injured. With the 2nd pruning, apical shoots (injured or not) will be pruned by retaining a final bud count per vine. Note: the 2nd pruning should occur when apical shoots are less than 2" in total growth to avoid potential issues with fruitless shoots developing from the basal buds regardless if you are past the last date of freeze.
- Row middle and cover crop: bare ground in row middles provide more heat to keep vines warm during a frost event. Mowed grass cover crop will also do the same. So, it is crucial that you mowed your grass as short as possible for added frost protection.
- Products that delay budbreak: Some products can be effective, but it is too late to apply now if you have not already done so. Please view the recorded webinar presentation with Dr. Imed Dami (link) for an overview of the available budbreak delay products.
- KDL (0-0-24) fertilizer: Even though growers would like to use this product, research has shown that KDL does not protect shoots against frost injury once vines resume growth. Therefore, it is not recommended. Dr. Smith researched this product and can be contacted directly for more information.
- Copper: has been shown to protect young shoots against frost injury by killing ice forming bacteria present on vine foliage. You may start spraying as soon as budbreak and repeat every 5-7 days (washes off easily and must be reapplied after an inch or more of rain) until you’re out of the frost threat period (2 – 3 weeks) in your vineyard. Read the label for the application rate. In CA, 0.75 actual copper per acre was used. Read the label to avoid plant injury. To avoid injury, apply when not cold or wet (slow drying) and use formulation with lime.
- More info about copper is in the Midwest fruit pest management guide (p 90-91): https://ag.purdue.edu/hla/Hort/Pages/sfg_sprayguide.aspx. Sensitive varieties are listed on p. 94-95 of the same guide.
Methods during a frost event
- Wind machines: wind machines, although expensive, are effective against radiative spring frost events (clear, cold nights with temperature inversions).
- Overhead irrigation (sprinklers): None of our growers in OH has this system. Having said that, DO NOT SPRAY YOUR VINES WITH WATER USING A SPRAYER. You will cause more damage than doing nothing.
- Heaters: same as above; not a common method in Ohio. When temperature inversion exists, heaters are effective alone and best with wind machines. However, cost of fuel and pollution are main limitations.
Since threats of below freezing temperatures can persist into May, it is a good idea to also review the recommendations for managing the vineyard in the event that freeze causes shoot injury. Those recommendations can be found in the APRIL 2020 OGEN.
By: Imed Dami, Diane Kinney, and Megan Soehnlen, HCS-OSU
Last week, we experienced one of the coldest temperatures since 2019 and minimum temperatures ranged between 1F and -12F across the state. On January 22nd, temperatures dropped to -4.4 F (for few minutes only) and -9.2F at the OARDC in Wooster and the AARS in Kingsville, respectively. The good news is that these temperatures occurred during the maximum cold hardiness of grapevines. To address growers’ concern about the impact of this cold snap on grapevines, our group conducted freezing tests in the lab to assess cold hardiness status of several grape varieties. We found that grapevines, in general, had achieved “good” cold hardiness despite a mild December. In fact, cold hardiness expressed as LT50, or temperature that kills 50% of primary buds, ranged between -4F (most cold tender vinifera) and -16F (most cold hardy hybrids). Based on this information, grapevines most likely sustained minimum to no bud injury following the freezing event on January 22. To verify that claim, and on January 24, our group collected canes and visually assessed bud injury of the most cold tender varieties grown at the OSU research vineyard in Wooster. Vitis vinifera varieties Arneis and Verdejo sustained 8% and 10% primary bud injury, respectively, with no injury of secondary buds.
We may have dodged the bullet from the January 22 event. However, we are not out of the woods yet as we still have four more weeks of potential damaging cold events. The status of bud injury reported here is only valid up to January 24th. In other words, % bud injury could remain the same as of January 24th or increases if damaging temperatures occur again. In both situations, it is important this year to assess bud damage prior to pruning.
Information on assessing winter damage and pruning adjustment are from previously published articles in OGEN and excerpts are listed below. Most information is from the book titled “Winter Injury to grapevines and Protection Methods” which I strongly recommend (online order: msue.anr.msu.edu/resources/winter_injury_to_grapevines_and_methods_of_protection_e2930 ).
- Prune cold hardy varieties that break buds late then those that break buds early and finally most tender varieties last.
- Collect enough canes to yield 100 “representative” nodes per variety. By representative I mean evaluate nodes that you would otherwise retain as spurs or canes when pruning.
- Place canes indoor to thaw for 48-72 hours.
- Using a sharp razor blade, cut across the bud tip at a third or half of its height.
- Visually assess if the primary bud (largest size) is alive (green color) or dead (brown). You may also evaluate the status of secondary buds if many primary buds are dead.
- We have added photos and links to You-Tube videos to assist with assessing bud winter damage (see below).
- A data sheet could be used to record and compute bud mortality as a percent.
- Conduct bud damage assessment for each variety separately and sometimes for each block of same variety separately (for example one block of chardonnay on top of the hill will likely have different bud damage than a block of same variety at the bottom of the hill).
- If primary bud damage = 0 to 14%, then no adjustment of pruning is needed.
- If primary bud damage = 15 to 34%, then leave about 35% extra buds. For example, if you prune to leave 30 buds/vine, and bud damage = 20% then leave an extra 35% or 40 buds/vine.
- If primary bud damage = 35 to 50%, then double the number of buds retained.
- If primary bud damage >50%, then it is best to minimally prune vines by hedging.
- Generally, basal buds (buds on the basal positions of the cane) are more cold hardy than distal buds. Thus, it is best to increase the number of spurs per vine than buds per spur when adjusting bud number per vine.
- Note that hybrids with fruitful secondary and base buds will produce a normal crop even with relatively high % primary bud injury. Examples include, DeChaunac, Seyval, and Vidal.
Video links for assessing bud injury:
- Part 1 (cane collection): www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RHJ5mY3fAs
- Part 2 (bud assessment): www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWtr0jzI2Dk
- Assessing bud damage: www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMav5zmGagg
- Assessing bud damage: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vv5axzMkYuY
A new factsheet series developed by Dr. Erdal Ozkan, our Extension State Specialist in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE) is now available on-line. The series includes seven factsheets each covering a specific topic associated with effective and efficient spraying in orchards and vineyards. The topics include: best practices for effective spraying, selecting the right type and size of nozzles, strategies to minimize spray drift, strategies to maximize pesticide deposit and coverage on target, Calibration and adjustment of sprayers, new developments in spraying equipment, and overall best practices for effective and efficient spraying in orchards and vineyards. A list of all seven factsheets with links is provided below.​
This series of Fact Sheets is the most complete collection of all the essential aspects of spraying in vineyards and orchards. For example, Sprayers for Effective Pesticide Application in Orchards and Vineyards (FABE-533) provides details, with 41 photographs, about some of the different sprayers that are used to spray fruit crops. It is the first factsheet of its kind in the United States with information in one single publication on different kinds of sprayers: hydraulic, air-assisted, sprayers with adjustable spouts, multi-row adjustable sprayers, tower type airblast sprayers (Figure 1), air-assisted sprayers with multi-head fans, tunnel sprayers, and pneumatic air shear sprayers. Another unique factsheet (FABE-538) gives information on advancements in orchards and vineyards. All the best practices one can follow to achieve best efficiency and effectiness in spraying vineyards and orchards. If you have not calibrated your sprayer because you think it is complicated, and if you want to use the air assist provided by airblast sprayers, you should take a look at FABE-537 which covers both topics: an easy way to determine the actual gallons per acre application rate, and adjustment of air flow to achieve maximum deposit of pesticides on the target while minimizing spray drift.
Although it is possible to get printouts of these publications once you reach them online using the links given below, Dr. Ozkan is currently working on designing user friendly print versions of the factsheets. These factsheets will be available on-line sometime in February. For more information of the factsheet series please contact Dr. Ozkan (ozkan.2@osu.edu).
Figure 1. One of the several tower-type airblast sprayers as shown in the factsheet Sprayers for Effective Pesticide Application in Orchards and Vineyards (FABE-533) by E. Ozkan and E. Gill
FABE-533: Sprayers for Effective Pesticide Application in Orchards and Vineyards https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/fabe-533
FABE-534: Selecting the Right Type and Size of Nozzles for Effective Spraying in Orchards and Vineyards https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/fabe-534
FABE-535: Strategies to Minimize Spray Drift for Effective Spraying in Orchards and Vineyards https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/fabe-535
FABE-536: Strategies to Maximize Pesticide Deposit and Coverage for Effective Spraying in Orchards and Vineyards https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/fabe-536
FABE-537: Calibration of Orchard and Vineyard Sprayers https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/fabe-537
FABE-538: Advancements in Technology for Effective Spraying in Orchards and Vineyards https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/fabe-538
FABE-539: Best Practices for Effective Spraying in Orchards and Vineyards https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/fabe-539
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
It’s like a scene out of the 1992 classic horror movie Candyman in the vineyard this fall. Yellow jackets, hornets, bees, wasps (1; Fig. 1)… but I promise, it’s the sugar content in the grapes and not because we’re summoning a man with a hook for a hand.
Fig. 1. Bald faced hornet in Frontenac blanc, Sep 2021
So, a real question: why so many stinging friends joining us in the vineyards this fall? (By the way, it’s not just us in Ohio, this same issue has been reported this fall in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota).
One suggested answer is the transition to newer selective insecticides that, in addition to being safer for us, are safer for the wasps (2). Another is that populations of these insects are cyclical, and they may just simply be more abundant (3). Whatever the reason, they are a problem for both the human pickers and for the grapes.
As previously mentioned, stinging insects are attracted to the increasing berry sugars as the grapes ripen. They may either feed on existing damaged berries or cause damage by boring into intact berries (Fig 2). Fruit quality may then be further compromised by the vectoring of yeasts and bacteria that induce sour rot (4; Fig 3). Wasps themselves have been found to be vectors of sour rot microbes (5), while other may come in following berry damage, including fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster), spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii), and sap beetles among others.
Fig. 2. Dessicated, damaged berries following wasp feeding, Frontenac blanc, Sep 2021
Fig. 3. Wasp damage and sour rot in Sauvignon blanc, Sep 2021
Managing Sour Rot in the Winery
With harvest wrapping up, the focus now should be on how best to manage fruit rot in the winery. A 2016 article from Penn State Extension details some key take home points on how to minimize the impacts of fruit rot in wine and are summarized here:
- Minimize rot coming into the cellar by sorting fruit from harvest
- Select an appropriate yeast strain that can survive harsher fermentation conditions
- Create a nutrient management strategy to maintain a healthy fermentation
- Monitor and manage SO2
- Improve wine sensory attributes using additives, including tannins and inactivated yeast products
- Blend with low volatile acidity (VA) wines
- Sterile filter wines prior to bottling for microbial stability
Looking to next year: ways to control wasp populations in the vineyard
Harvesting at night or very early in the morning when conditions are cooler can certainly help the pickers when it comes to exposure to wasps, but it doesn’t eliminate the problem for ripening fruit.
Control for these insects is challenging but can be more effectively managed by deploying traps along the perimeter of the vineyard at the onset of ripening (Fig. 4), eliminating nests (bee careful!), and ensuring that fruit is harvested at maturity. Additional information on trapping and eliminating nests can be found at https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-2075-11.
As for insecticides, information from UW-Madison suggests that Entrust, Mustang Maxx, and Delegate have “good” efficacy when it comes to wasp control. Although these insecticides are not labeled for wasps, they are used to manage fruit flies and other pests near harvest. Keep in mind, several low-PHI insecticides are restricted use and require a pesticide applicators license to purchase and use.
Fig. 4. Purchased wasp trap deployed in Wooster, Unit 2 vineyard, Sep 2021
References:
- Guedot, C et al. 2018. Species Composition, Abundance, and Seasonal Phenology of Social Wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in Wisconsin Vineyards. Insects. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects9020057
- Warner, G. 2014. The Increasing Problem of Yellow Jackets and Hornets. Good Fruit Grower. https://www.goodfruit.com/the-increasing-problem-of-yellow-jackets-and-hornets/
- Milkovich, M. 2020. Wasps Becoming More Worrisome for Grape Growers. Good Fruit Grower. https://www.goodfruit.com/wasps-becoming-more-worrisome-for-grape-growers/
- Ivey, M et al. 2021. Sour Rot Disorder of Grape. PLPATH-FRU-50. https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/plpath-fru-50
- Madden, A et al. 2017. The Emerging contribution of social wasps to grape rot disease ecology. PeerJ. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3223
Tags: 2021 Season, Wasps, Entomology, Viticulture
Comments: 0
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.
Tags: Viticulture, Entomology, Spotted Lanternfly
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By: Todd Steiner, Enology Outreach Specialist, HCS-OSU
Program Announcement and Overview:
The Ohio State University and The Ohio Grape Industries Committee (OGIC) is pleased to announce an exciting program to better help the needs of the growing Ohio commercial wine industry through an Ohio Commercial Winery Virtual Enology Consultant Team. Considering there are currently 370+ A2 and A2f winery permit holders and 60+ applications pending, I have expanded the enology team and developed a virtual winery consultant program that is funded through the OGIC for FY22. This program has been developed to benefit the industry by disseminating current up-to-date wine production practices and procedures enhancing overall wine quality through this virtual consulting opportunity.
A team of five well-known and experienced winemaking consultants (listed below and highlighted further in the attached document) with high accolades have been developed to help address and manage the growing industry.
Each consultant will be available for six (6), one-hour virtual consultation times per quarter via the Microsoft Teams platform with an individual Ohio licensed winery/winemaker. If a winery feels more comfortable receiving consultation by phone, that is acceptable and will be scheduled accordingly. This is intended to benefit 30 wineries each quarter and an impressive 120 wineries throughout FY22. The fiscal year runs from July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022, on a quarterly basis.
This opportunity is on a first-come, first-served basis. The first quarter consultations will take place beginning next week, Monday, August 23-Friday, September 3, just in time for harvest and cellar processing questions and concerns to be addressed. This also provides a great opportunity to simply confirm what our current processing practices are within our cellars pertaining to each quarterly focus provided in the attached flyer.
We hope that you will take advantage of this unique and educational opportunity. There is always room for additional refinement of our cellar procedures and practices in further improving wine quality. It does not matter on winery size or experience from new to veteran winemakers being able to benefit from this opportunity. These consultations are meant to take place in a relaxed and social format in reviewing our current cellar practices and procedures. Please take advantage of this wonderful program involving a good discussion with one of our consultant team members.
Please find the first quarter consultants and their available times below:
- Peter Bell
- Tuesday, August 24
- 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
- 9:45 - 10:45 a.m.
- 11 a.m. - noon
- Tuesday, August 24
-
- Wednesday, August 25
- 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
- 9:45 - 10:45 a.m.
- 11 a.m. - noon
- Wednesday, August 25
- Denise Gardner
- Wednesday, August 25
- 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
- 9:45 - 10:45 a.m.
- 11 a.m. - noon
- Wednesday, August 25
-
- Thursday, August 26
- 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
- 2:15 - 3:15 p.m.
- 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
- Thursday, August 26
- Lee Lutes
- Thursday, September 2
- 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
- 2:45 - 3:45 p.m.
- 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
- Thursday, September 2
-
- Friday, September 3
- 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
- 2:45 - 3:45 p.m.
- 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
- Friday, September 3
- Tom Payette
- Thursday, August 26
- 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
- 9:45 - 10:45 a.m.
- 11 a.m. - noon
- 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
- 2:45 - 3:45 p.m.
- 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
- Thursday, August 26
- Chris Stamp
- Monday, August 23
- 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
- 2:45 - 3:45 p.m.
- 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
- Monday, August 23
-
- Tuesday, August 24
- 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
- 9:45 - 10:45 a.m.
- 11 a.m. - noon
- Tuesday, August 24
Register for one of these times slots at
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OGIC/OSU Enology Consultant Team - You can book online! You can now book and manage appointments using our booking page. outlook.office365.com |
Due to the complex organization and implementation of this program, we apologize for the delayed announcement of the first quarter consultation times but expect more advanced notice for the remainder of the other three quarterly scheduling times.
Please be sure to stay within your 1-hour time slot, as the consultants will need some time to get ready for the next winery consultation.
I highly recommend taking advantage of this free opportunity Please don’t hesitate to sign up as the individual consultations start next week and run through September 2 in reserving your 1-hour time slot. We anticipate these spots will fill up fast.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at (330) 263-3881 or Christy Eckstein at (614) 728-6438. All scheduling will occur through Christy Eckstein with the online link provided above.
Please see Flyer on the homepage for additional information.
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 14th (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.
By: Dr. Maria Smith, HCS-OSU
From Ashtabula to Cincinnati, the growing season is here. Usually, budbreak is a stratified process over several weeks from the south to the north, but not this year. An unusually warm spring has heralded in the start of the season in an uncanny uniform fashion and without regards to cultivar or geographical region (Fig 1). This year’s budbreak pattern, which is anywhere from days to weeks ahead of historical averages, can largely be attributed to the abnormally warm, dry conditions that increase in intensity from south to north (Fig 2).
Fig 1. Phenology among several Vinifera and hybrid cultivars at Wooster, Unit 2, Apr 16, 2021 (Photo credit: Diane Kinney).
Fig 2. Temperature (left) and precipitation (right) deviation from the long-term average from March 17 through April 15, 2021 (figures from https://climate.osu.edu)
Despite the recent pleasantly warm weather, Ohio unfortunately remains at risk for below freezing conditions for another 2 to 4 weeks (Fig 3). This week will be a stark reminder of that, as both below freezing temperatures and the chance of snow accumulation are forecasted courtesy of a cold front moving across the state later this week (Fig 4).
Fig 3. Median date of last 32°F for Ohio (figure from www.mrcc.illinois.edu)
Fig 4. Forecast and minimum temperature maps for the week of Apr 19, 2021. (figures from NOAA, www.weather.gov)
Given the upcoming forecasts, let's review some lessons from the 2020 season freezes
Stay calm and optimistic!
Just because temperatures reach < 32°F does not automatically mean that all the shoots will die. Grapes are resilient when it comes to coping with environmental stress, and spring freezes are no exception. The good news over the past few days is that cooler temperatures have slowed growth and development of the vines. This is crucial since we know that buds/shoots that are less advanced can withstand colder temperatures than those which are more developed (Table 1). Additionally, grapes are comprised of compound buds, so that if there is loss of the primary shoots, secondary and tertiary shoots can emerge to resume growth. Although these secondary and tertiary shoots are less fruitful than primary shoots and are developmentally delayed, many common French American and cold-hardy hybrids grown in Ohio have highly fruitful secondary shoots that can temper potential yield losses.
Table 1. Estimated critical temperatures for Pinot noir at different stages of bud/shoot development (Gardea, 1987)
|
|
Swell |
Bud break |
First leaf |
Second leaf |
Third leaf |
|
Pinot noir |
26.6 |
28.0 |
28.4 |
28.9 |
30.0 |
Review the tools for successfully “weathering” this week’s freeze
One of the first questions that come up when a spring freeze event approaches is “What can I do to protect the vines?”. Once vines have reached budbreak, the options for protection are limited, and the efficacy of the options is highly dependent upon the type of freeze event (Table 2). For many small vineyards, the best options are those that need to be considered and used in advanced of any predicted spring freeze events.
Table 2: Characteristics of radiation vs advective freeze events. Table from https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what_is_the_difference_between_a_frost_and_a_freeze
|
Radiation freeze |
Advective freeze |
|
Winds less than 5 MPH |
Winds higher that 5 MPH |
|
Clear sky |
May be cloudy |
|
Cold air mass 30 to 200 feet thick |
Cold air mass 450 to 3,000 feet thick |
|
Inversion develops |
No Inversion |
|
Cold air in the low spots |
|
|
White or black frost damage |
|
|
Easier to protect |
Difficult to protect |
Below is a republishing of methods that can also be found from our OGEN article from APRIL 2020 - Spring Freeze Issue. Drs. Imed Dami and Michela Centinari (PSU) also discussed these methods in a recent March webinar. Click here to view the presentation.
Methods prior to frost event
- Delayed pruning: similar to 2020, vines have more advanced phenology than normal and buds are pushing earlier as a result of above average temepratures. Delayed pruning helps with delaying budbreak.
- Double-pruning: the rationale is similar to delayed pruning. With 1st pruning, you leave extra buds per vine. Due to apical dominance, apical buds push earlier than basal buds. If frost occurs, basal buds (which are delayed in growing) will be less likely to be injured. With the 2nd pruning, apical shoots (injured or not) will be pruned by retaining a final bud count per vine. Note: the 2nd pruning should occur when apical shoots are less than 2" in total growth to avoid potential issues with fruitless shoots developing from the basal buds regardless if you are past the last date of freeze.
- Row middle and cover crop: bare ground in row middles provide more heat to keep vines warm during a frost event. Mowed grass cover crop will also do the same. So, it is crucial that you mowed your grass as short as possible for added frost protection.
- Products that delay budbreak: Some products can be effective, but it is too late to apply now if you have not already done so. Please view the recorded webinar presentation with Dr. Imed Dami (link) for an overview of the available budbreak delay products.
- KDL (0-0-24) fertilizer: Even though growers would like to use this product, research has shown that KDL does not protect shoots against frost injury once vines resume growth. Therefore, it is not recommended. Dr. Smith researched this product and can be contacted directly for more information.
- Copper: has been shown to protect young shoots against frost injury by killing ice forming bacteria present on vine foliage. You may start spraying as soon as budbreak and repeat every 5-7 days (washes off easily and must be reapplied after an inch or more of rain) until you’re out of the frost threat period (2 – 3 weeks) in your vineyard. Read the label for the application rate. In CA, 0.75 actual copper per acre was used. Read the label to avoid plant injury. To avoid injury, apply when not cold or wet (slow drying) and use formulation with lime.
- More info about copper is in the Midwest fruit pest management guide (p 90-91): https://ag.purdue.edu/hla/Hort/Pages/sfg_sprayguide.aspx. Sensitive varieties are listed on p. 94-95 of the same guide.
Methods during a frost event
- Wind machines: wind machines, although expensive, are effective against radiative spring frost events (clear, cold nights with temperature inversions).
- Overhead irrigation (sprinklers): None of our growers in OH has this system. Having said that, DO NOT SPRAY YOUR VINES WITH WATER USING A SPRAYER. You will cause more damage than doing nothing.
- Heaters: same as above; not a common method in Ohio. When temperature inversion exists, heaters are effective alone and best with wind machines. However, cost of fuel and pollution are main limitations.
Although there are still a couple of days until the predicted freeze event, it is a good idea to also review the recommendations for managing the vineyard if the forecasted freeze causes shoot injury. Those recommendations can be found in the APRIL 2020 OGEN.