Page 59 - Grapevine JanFeb 2022

Around The Vineyard

observed, to reduce the risk of sour rot in the wine.
This University of Minnesota study focused on cold
climate hybrid varieties, testing 5 Vinifera variet-
ies and 29 cold climate hybrids. Therefore, more
research is needed to learn which Vinifera varieties
are more or less susceptible to SWD infestation.

Key Points:

● Research from University of Minnesota found
that spotted wing drosophila (SWD) are unlikely
to pierce the skin or infest most grape varieties;
only 4 of the 34 cold climate and Vinifera variet-
ies were damaged.

● Like common native fruit flies, SWD are attract-
ed to injured fruit and can introduce sour-rot
causing bacteria that creates acetic acid flaws in
the wine.

● Growers should monitor for grape injury from
veraison to harvest, use measures like bird net-
ting to reduce grape injury, and only if needed,
apply insecticides that target fruit flies.

● Dispose of sour-rot infected grapes and do not
allow them to be used in wine.
Vineyards
● Initial berry injury by SWD can predispose the Supporting
30 Years!
fruit to attraction by other fruit fly species com- for Over
mon to Midwest grapes, and thus increase over-
all damage and risk to juice quality. WE STOCK & SHIP
EVERYTHING YOU’LL NEED!
● SWD is attracted to ripe or ripening fruit from
veraison to harvest. They are not attracted to Post, Anchors, Wire, Grow Tubes,
green, unripe fruit. Injuries on unripe fruit are Stakes, Training & Tying Supplies,
likely due to other causes besides SWD. Netting, Lugs & Harvest Supplies,

Loppers, Pruners, Monofilament,
Read the full study here:
Scare Products and Much More!

Ebbenga, DN, EC Burkness, MD Clark, and WD Call Us Today
Hutchison. 2021. Risk of Spotted-Wing Drosophila 315-904-4007
Injury and Associated Increases in Acetic Acid
in Minnesota Winegrapes. American Journal of E Store: FLTSupply.com
Enology and Viticulture 72(1): 106-112.

For more information on SWD, see
University of Minnesota FruitEdge: Finger Lakes Trellis Supply
https://fruitedge.umn.edu/ 5790 Route 104 Williamson, NY 14589 - sales@fltsupply.com

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