For the 2026-27 fiscal year, the Oregon Wine Board and Erath Family Foundation have established a new partnership to fund Viticulture and Enology research.
Below are the eight projects that were recommended for funding by the OWB Research Committee to the OWB and EFF Boards for approval. The OWB is providing a total of $192,482 to fund the three continuing projects, while EFF is funding $206,193 for five new initatives.
Understanding Rootstock Impacts on Pinot Noir Vine Balance and Fruit Chemistry
Dr. Patty Skinkis, Oregon State University, Department of Horticulture
Over the three year study, we are monitoring the underlying vine physiological performance of Pinot noir grafted on 18 rootstocks. Data are being collected on grape phenology stages, fruit set, water stress responses, vine mineral nutrient status, and berry ripening phase dynamics of, focusing on potassium, malic and tartaric acid, and nitrogen. This project builds upon prior research to provide growers and winemakers with information on how rootstocks perform based on the vine and fruit data that together impact quality wine production.
Project year 3 of 3
Biorational Control of Mealybugs in Vineyard
Dr. Vaughn Walton, Oregon State University
This project applies core Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles to control grape mealybug using innovative tools such as mating disruption and entomopathogenic nematodes. The goal is to support grower adoption of environmentally friendly practices that promote sustainability amid evolving climate conditions, regulations, and pest pressures. Objectives include: develop and optimize mating disruption strategies for grape mealybug; refine and evaluate nematode formulations targeting grape and vine mealybugs; and disseminate knowledge on pest vectors and IPM strategies to growers, researchers, and students.
Project year 3 of 3
Investigating Vectors and Rootstock-Dependent Latency of Grapevine Red Blotch Virus
Dr. Robert Orpet, Oregon State University-Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center, Department of Horticulture
This research is assessing the widely held possibility that there are important insect vectors of grapevine red blotch virus other than the three-cornered alfalfa leafhopper (Spissistilus festinus). We are screening insects for the virus and quantifying their occurrence in vineyards. We are also investigating rootstock effects on grapevine red blotch symptom latency and fruit quality. This will help us understand the spread and expression of grapevine redblotch disease, which significantly impairs fruit quality and is currently managed by removing infected vines.
Project year 2 of 3
Emerging and Latent Grapevine Trunk Disease Pathogens in Oregon: Biology and Sustainable Management
Dr. Achala KC, Oregon State University-Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center, Department of Horticulture
While we know the major Grapevine Trunk Disease (GTD) pathogens in Oregon vineyards, there were others that were frequently isolated from trunk samples. This project aims to understand the roles of these pathogens under both biotic (presence of other known GTDs) and abiotic (nutrient and water) stress conditions. Furthermore, we aim to research alternative management practices for GTDs via soil application of conventional and organic fungicides. By the end of this project, we expect a better understanding of latent GTD pathogens and to identify a promising alternative to GTD management by cultural practices and the application of systemic fungicides.
Project year 1 of 3
Potassium Physiology Across 10 Grapevine Rootstocks: From Genes to Juice
Dr. Alec Levin, Oregon State University-Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center, Department of Horticulture
Potassium affects grapevine growth, drought response, fruit chemistry, juice pH, and wine quality, but rootstocks differ in how much potassium they take up and move into fruit. This project will evaluate potassium status across 10 grapevine rootstocks, test how those rootstocks respond to potassium fertilizer, and study why certain rootstocks behave differently. Results will help Oregon growers choose rootstocks and manage potassium more strategically, especially in vineyards where potassium is either deficient or excessive. The project will also support updated rootstock recommendations for Oregon vineyards.
Project year 1 of 3
Distribution and abundance of plant-parasitic nematodes in Oregon vineyards
Dr. Alec Levin, Oregon State University-Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center, Department of Horticulture
Plant-parasitic nematodes are soilborne pests that can reduce grapevine growth, yield, and long-term vineyard productivity, yet Oregon’s last statewide vineyard nematode survey was conducted nearly 30 years ago. This project will complete a multi-year survey of 135 vineyard blocks across Oregon’s major winegrowing regions and identify where key nematodes are present, how abundant they are, and what site factors are associated with higher risk. The results will help growers make better decisions about nematode sampling, vineyard establishment, replanting, and rootstock selection.
Project year 1 of 1
Microbial dynamics during cold soaking and fermentation of Pinot Noir under different sulfur dioxide and biocontrol regimes and consequences for wine quality
Dr. James Osborne, Oregon State University, Department of Food Science and Technology
Microbial populations present during the early stages of wine production play a critical role in the final characteristics of a wine. These microbial communities are dynamic, constantly changing, and altered by a range of factors. This research will investigate key winemaking parameters impacting microbes pre-fermentation such as use of sulfur dioxide, addition of biocontrol yeast, and Saccharomyces inoculation. An understanding of how these factors change microbial populations can be harnessed by a winemaker to, at the least, prevent microbial spoilage, but more interestingly, to promote certain sensory characteristics and achieve stylistic goals.
Project year 1 of 3
Mealybug Pests of Vineyards Biological Control Survey
Joshua Vlach, Oregon Department of Agriculture
Vine mealybug is a serious pest and a vector of leafroll viruses. It is in the early stages of its invasion of Oregon. In the absence of coordinated effort, statewide eradication is unlikely. Tactics to slow the spread of the pest and reduce its impacts are needed across the state. Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) will survey to determine which mealybug natural enemies currently occur in Oregon vineyards. These species will be evaluated as potential biocontrol agents. At the same time, ODA will conduct outreach about preventing the spread of invasive mealybugs and their vectored diseases such as leafroll viruses.
Project year 1 of 2
