Joint Projects With UGA

With Dr. Phil Brannen, Plant Pathologist for UGA

Starting in 2006, whille at Blackstock, Dr. Brannen and I worked together with Dr. Don Hopkins to identify and treat Pierces Disease in Vinifera Grape vines.

For many years I assisted in hosting the annual Disease Tour for UGA graduate students. This was designed to give the students a first hand look and explanation on the practical aspects and difficulties of grape growing in the Southeast.

Assisted in field trials for Downy Mildew resistance, carried out by graduate students as part of their thesis, and participated in surveys for Powdery Mildew. I spoke to student groups on Vineyard management and the implications of diseased fruit on winemaking, in the context of North Georgia Vineyards.

I hosted field trials for nematodes, as well as surveys for the presence and implications of this pest. I also organized grower meeting to disseminate relevant information to growers about local vineyard disease and treatment options.

With Dr. Cain Hickey, Extension Specialist for Viticulture, UGA

Cain and I planned and executed a root bag trial, as well as a rootstock trial, in a newly planted vineyard. This experiment was designed to research the ability to control vigor as part of a canopy management trial.

We planned and planted a field trial using Pierces Disease resistant cultivars. The trial was set up to optimize growing parameters using these new varieties.

Please contact Dr. Brannen or Dr. Hickey for more details.