Page 39 - Grapevine SeptOct 2021

Around The Vineyard

FROST PROTECTION IN THE VINEYARD:

Environment, Geography and Science

By: Gerald Dlubala
T for their livelihood are vulnerable to tem- Proper frost protection measures can help avoid
he grapevines that a grower depends on
damage and make the difference between a profit-
perature changes that can damage the
buds, fruit and even the vine. One of the most able or unprofitable year.
unfavorable temperature conditions is frost. Most Shooting The Breeze And
frost conditions are radiation frosts, characterized Fighting Vineyard Frost
by dry, cold air masses that settle into an area with
the dangerous combination of no noticeable wind “Wind machines play a major role in protecting
or cloud cover with a low dew point. Temperatures your vineyard from the elements of frost,” said
can be relatively warm throughout the day, with Dean Hauff, Marketing Manager for H.F. Hauff
the ground retaining heat. As the sun sets, the Company Inc. “It only takes about 20 minutes
ground warmth radiates to the upper atmosphere, before frost starts to damage to your vines, and
allowing colder air to fall and settle into the pock- it’s absolutely critical to protect the primordia
ets of space now available at lower elevations. bloom. It’s the difference between successful and
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