Between the Vines

The venerable Andrew Muza has retired from Penn State Extension. Andy was a pleasure to work with and a dedicated extension agent. Always busy but willing to take time to do just a little bit more, we sat down with Andy over his last few weeks to share some of his most important work over his career. While he will be missed in the industry, the one thing we will try very hard to do is make sure knowledge is not lost with his retirement.

LERGP.com
https://lergp.cce.cornell.edu/contact_information.php

Guest, Dr. Mary Centralla, director of CCE Pesticide Safety Education Program (CCE PSEP) shares techniques for avoiding and managing pesticide incompatibility. Mary discusses both physical and chemical compatibility. We’ve all heard the problems with physical compatibility, such as when a sludge is nearly impossible to remove from a sprayer. Mary also shares examples of chemical incompatibility. We don’t hear a lot about chemical incompatibility from growers, it is often an invisible issue, but instances of chemical incompatibility can render applications of chemicals ineffective.

LERGP.com
https://lergp.cce.cornell.edu/contact_information.php

Guest, Dr. Terry Bates joins the pod to discuss research to improve the efficiency of mechanization. You might just see some blades hanging off the side of the tractor. However, work that began in 1970 has evolved. While we don’t have robots just yet (he’s working on that), techniques to improve bud quantity and quality are increasing the speed of both hand follow-up and mechanical pruning. This evolution is both timely and valuable as the region experiences a labor shortage.

LERGP.com
https://lergp.cce.cornell.edu/contact_information.php

Labor Shortages and rising costs could eventually transform some production practices. Higher pay and improving working conditions has been a solution for many growers. The rapid increase in hourly pay is a bit of a shock for some, but has been effective. As far as more drastic measures, coffee pot meetings with growers show that the industry is considering options but keeping it business as usual. So long as grape prices remain high, generating yields with known practices is taking priority. Labor shortages have forced some growers into change this year.

LERGP.com
https://lergp.cce.cornell.edu/contact_information.php

Bud Break! Jennifer Phillips Russo has an update on Concord Bud break, and we share the bloom forecast from Dr. Bates. Inflation data is still red-hot, last-minute supplies are tricky to find.

LERGP.com
https://lergp.cce.cornell.edu/contact_information.php

The LERGP team comes together to talk about the beginning of the growing season. Jennifer Phillips Russo gives an update on the current phenology in the vineyards. Andy Muza addresses the pests that we should be on the lookout for.  

Kevin Martin (host)
Jennifer Phillips Russo (host)
Andy Muza (host)

LERGP.com
https://lergp.cce.cornell.edu/contact_information.php

Jennifer Phillips Russo talks liming soil. As fertilizer prices rise it becomes even more critical to understand the role pH has in fertilizer efficiency and soil health. Soil samples in the region this year reveal more lime is needed for sustainable grape production.

Episode Host/Speakers:

Kevin Martin (host)

Jennifer Phillips Russo (host)

LERGP.com
https://lergp.cce.cornell.edu/contact_information.php

 Kevin talks with Kim Knappenberger about the Vineyard Improvement Program. This 5 year program has about 1 1/2 years remaining so prospective applicants are encouraged to apply. 

LERGP.com
https://lergp.cce.cornell.edu/contact_information.php

Dr. Jason Londo joins the podcast today. Jason joined the Horticulture Section faculty in 2022 as an associate professor of fruit crop physiology and climate adaptation. Previously, as a Research Geneticist with the USDA-ARS Grape Genetics Unit, he has been a long-time PI leading LERGP and others in studying grapevine cold hardiness in the east. 

Kevin Martin (host)
Jennifer Phillips Russo (host)
Dr. Jason Londo (guest speaker)

LERGP.com
https://lergp.cce.cornell.edu/contact_information.php

Part 1: After freezing buds all year, we’ve got one more sign of spring. Deacclimation. While we aren’t approaching bud break yet, warm temperatures have started the process. Jennifer Phillips Russo discusses how LERGP tracks this information. Stay tuned next week for part 2 with “new” Cornell Scientist Dr. Jason Lundo

Episode Host/Speakers: 

Kevin Martin (host)

Jennifer Phillips Russo (host)

LERGP.com
https://lergp.cce.cornell.edu/contact_information.php