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

2012 Annual Report for FNE11-708

Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2011: $10,220.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2012
Region: Northeast
State: New Jersey
Project Leader:
Dr. Lawrence Coia
Coia Vineyards, LLC

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

2012 was the end of the first year and begining of second year of this 2 year project in which we will determine the effect of cluster thinning at two levels on two important Vitis vinifera varieties. Activities including pruning weight determination, cluster thinning, canopy measures, harvest yield parameters, grape maturity measures and wine production were accomplished. Wine samples have been sent for phenolic analysis to Virginia Tech.
We have chosen a consulting group (SMS) to assist with the wine quality hedonic analysis. This will take place in January 2013 for wines made during both years rather than a separate analysis done annually.
Comparative data analyses for the 2 levels of cluster thinning will take place at the end of the project.

Objectives/Performance Targets

Targets

Second year activities 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
Wine sent for phenolic analyses

Accomplishments/Milestones

Once two years of data have been collected we will perform a statistical analyses to determine the effect of the 2 levels of cluster thinning on quality of harvested grapes and wine. We have completed all analyses except for hedonic determintion of wine quality. We are pleased that the years chosen for this study represent very different climatic conditions in ternms of growing season rainfall. We will therefore have insight into the affect of climate variability on our cluster thinning trial.

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:

Steven Coia

Vineyard Manager
Coia Vineyards
3680 Oak Rd
Vineland, NJ 08360
Office Phone: 6093513155
Dan Ward

pomologist
Rutgers
121 Northville Rd
Bridgeton, NJ 08302
Office Phone: 8564553100