The effect of two levels of cluster thinning on crop yield and quality for Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grown in the Eastern US

The effect of two levels of cluster thinning on crop yield and quality for Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grown in the Eastern US

Summary

2011 was the first of this 2 year project in which we will determine the effect of cluster thinning at two levels on two important Vitis vinifera varieties. All activities – pruning weight determination, cluster thinning,canopy meassures, harvest yield parameters, grape maturity measures and wine production were accomplished. From the wine produced an analysis of phenolic components as well as taste analyses will be carried out in March as outlined in our project plan. Comparative data analyses for the 2 levels of cluster thinning will take place at the end of the project.

Objectives/Performance Targets

All performance 1st year activites outlined in the grant proposal have taken place as anticipated without problem. These activiites included-
Measurement of pruning weight.
Shoot thinning
Cluster thinning to two levels.
Canopy measures
Harvest yield measures -weights and cluster counts per vine
Grape juice measures-pH,TA and Brix
Wine production- Primary and secondary fermentation completed

Accomplishments/Milestones

Once two years of data have been collected we wil perform a statistical analyses to determine the effect of the 2 levels of cluster thinning on quality of harvested grapes and wine. The first year of data has been collected.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

The information from this project will be reported to wine growers in the East and will be of significance in helping them to optimize quality winegrape production.

Collaborators: