What are rootstock trials, and why are they important for your grape-growing operation? Listen in as I have a discussion with Dr. Gill Giese from the College of Agriculture at Arkansas State University on the latest findings in rootstock trials and what they mean for vineyards today and in the future.

In this episode, Gill and I talk about the results of the rootstock trials conducted in New Mexico and how they can impact wine growing in the region and elsewhere. We discuss the importance of cold hardiness and phylloxera resistance and how rootstocks can be created to address climate change issues and many other factors.

Listen in to learn about the findings of the research and what they mean for your vineyard.

In this episode, you will hear:

• What rootstocks are and where they originated.
• The many environments that rootstocks can grow in due to crossbreeding and adaptation.
• Why we need to continue to trial and develop rootstocks.
• Some of the surprising things Gill learned during his research.
• The future of rootstock development.
• Tips for growers on where to start and how to select their rootstocks.

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Episode Resources:

Join Fritz for his FREE live virtual learning event - 2023 Vineyard Successes & Failures - November 1st at 6:00 PM CST. - https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/product/2023-vineyard-successes-failures/

If you missed the live event, you can access the FREE video recording and learn the top 2023 season takeaways at a time that works for your schedule. - https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/product/2023-vineyard-successes-failures/

View the New Mexico rootstock research data from Gill Giese mentioned in the episode.

If you have questions about today's episode or other grape growing questions, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.

Want to Be a Better Grape Grower? Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.

Episode Sponsor:

Thank you to our friends over at SensorInsight for their sponsorship of today's episode. SensorInsight provides actionable information for your vineyard operations. Their mobile app and dashboard visualizations provide irrigation, weather, and soil moisture analytics from your sensor systems. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io/. And don't forget to mention the code Underground to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution.

Today's Guest:

Dr. William "Gill" Giese is an assistant professor in the College of Agriculture at Arkansas State University. Prior to this, he taught agriculture/viticulture at Surry Community College in North Carolina, and most recently worked as a Viticulture Extension Specialist for New Mexico State University. His applied research included variety and rootstock trials, irrigation study, nematode modeling, and cover crops to enhance pollinator habitat, support soil health and optimize grape production and quality.

Connect with Gill - Email | Website

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.