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Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc can produce excellent wine grapes and wine in New Jersey, but the effect of cluster thinning on optimal yields has not been established. This study suggests that high quality grapes and wines can be made from these varieties under various climatic conditions and without the necessity of economically unsustainably low yields that can result from cluster thinning.

Grant support: USDA NESARE and from Coia Vineyards, the Outer Coastal Plain Vineyard Association, and Rutgers NJAES.

If you were hit by a hailstorm on May 22nd, as we were at RAREC, you are probably making some hard decisions on what to do in the vineyard.

Hail-damaged cordon on a grape vine at Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center. Shoots, leaves, and flower buds were severely damaged and most shoots were broken off.

Removal of dead and compromised leaves and flower clusters will help reduce development of fungal pathogens.

Stem wounding will be a big concern especially for vineyards with crown gall. Treatments that aid in wound healing or have bactericidal effects may provide some help. However, shoots severely damaged by hail may need to be pruned out.

New growth will continue to push as weather conditions allow. This new growth should be protected against black rot, powdery and downy mildews as you would in any other year.

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