VMW 115 Spring Vineyard Practices

Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 2
Credits: 4

Surveys spring vineyard management practices. Focuses on preparing a vineyard site for planting, spring canopy management and other site issues. Covers pest and disease control.

Prerequisite: VMW 114 with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Analyze sprayer coverage and effectiveness.
Assess fungal, bacterial, and viral disease activity to identify types of damage.
Prepare ground and plant grapes.
Train vines to the trellis system.
Solve vineyard management problems.

Content Outline

Canopy Management
- Trellis selection
- Shoot positioning
- Air movement within the canopy
- Leaf removal
- The relationship of proper canopy management and wine quality
Disease Control
- Efficiency of spray programs
- Control of powdery mildew
  - Choosing effective sprays
  - Alternative control methods
- Identification of early botrytis infection
- Spray records
- Handling hazardous materials
- Pesticide safety
Pest Control
- Insect pests
- Vertebrate pests
  - Deer
  - Rodents
Prepare a Vineyard Site for Planting
- Ground preparation
- Vineyard layout
- Planting methods