The newest bulletins from Washington State University Extension help viticulturists understand how to idle vineyard production for a few years and offer an annual overview of operations at the Wilke Research and Extension Farm.
Each month, experts from WSU and partner institutions share informative guides on topics of interest in agriculture, home gardening, pesticide application, and more through the Extension Publications Store. Spanish-language resources are also available. Online guides now come with links to a selection of related publications.
New publications include:
Idling Vineyards in the Pacific Northwest (FS407E)
Sometimes market demand, economic constraints, or resource scarcity dictate that vineyard production is put on hold for a few years. This guide covers management practices and pruning, irrigation, vineyard nutrition, pest and weeds, and other factors involved in idling a vineyard. Authors include Michelle Moyer, Professor and Statewide Viticulture Extension Specialist, WSU Department of Viticulture and Enology; Markus Keller, Chateau Ste. Michelle Distinguished Professor, WSU Department of Viticulture and Enology; and Patricia Skinkis, Professor and Viticulture Extension Specialist, Oregon State University.
This bulletin looks at the annual round of production and performance, rotations, weather, and soil conditions on this 320-acre research farm near Davenport, Washington. Written primarily for farmers and crop consultants in the intermediate rainfall zone, this is part of the farm’s ongoing yearly overview of operations. Authors are Aaron Esser, WSU Regional Extension Agronomist, and Derek Appel, WSU Research Technician.