For 2020-2021, the OWB allocated $350,000 for the support of these research grants. Below are the eight funded projects. Updates on these projects will be reported throughout the year.
Variations of Berry Size
Federico Casassa, Associate Professor of Enology, Wine & Viticulture Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
Berry size is seen as a determining factor of wine quality because excessive berry size (due to varietal or viticultural practices) may lead to a proportional decrease of solids (skins and seeds) where sensory-relevant compounds are located. Here we aim to understand the effect on wine chemistry and sensory aspects due to intrinsic variations in berry size on V. vinifera L. cv. Pinot noir as well as to explore winemaking practices to manipulate berry size during winemaking. The understanding gained from this project will assist Oregon winemakers in clonal selection and winemaking techniques in Pinot noir for management of berry size related chemistry and sensory aspects.
Gene Editing Technology
Laurent Deluc, Associate Professor, Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University.
The new technology of gene editing offers the opportunity for rapid and precise modifications of the grapevine genome. However, the current methodology in grapevines results in the generation of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO), which is, in general, poorly accepted by the public and falls under strict regulations by USDA. We decided to exploit the ability of gene editing to develop a methodology for the generation of GMO-free grapevine material. As proof of concept, we propose to use the molecular scissor CRISPR/Cas9 to edit the nucleic sequences of genes whose silencing is known to reduce grapevine susceptibility to Grape Powdery Mildew.
Grapevine Trunk Diseases in Oregon Vineyards: A Pilot Project on Epidemiology and Management
Achala KC, Plant Pathologist and Assistant Professor, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology and Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center, Oregon State University.
A pilot project on epidemiology and management of Grapevine Trunk Diseases (GTDs) was started in Oregon vineyards in 2019. We surveyed 31 vineyards in Oregon for symptoms and installed two spore traps each in northern and southern Oregon. The spore trapping will continue throughout the 2020 growing season. At the end of this project we hope to understand the most common type of GTDs in two distinct wine grape growing regions in Oregon, and their seasonal development as affected by weather variables in these regions. With this study we expect that the Oregon wine industry will benefit from local level information on GTDs and management practices to address them accordingly.
Project reference: 2338_GTD management OR Pilot
Determining Optimal Irrigation Initiation Time
Alec Levin, Viticulturist and Assistant Professor, Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center and Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University.
When to initiate irrigation is a critical annual management decision that has a large impact on the current season’s grape production. Delaying irrigation initiation can have many positive direct and indirect effects on grapevine growth and development, and ultimately on fruit and wine quality. Thus, it is economically favorable to delay the initiation of irrigation just enough to create a slight water deficit. The overall objective of this proposed research project is to determine the optimal irrigation initiation time by delaying initiation time using declining stem water potential thresholds, and relating crop yield and quality metrics to those thresholds. Our central hypothesis is that growers can substantially delay irrigation initiation time without any negative effects on current or future production.
Project Reference: 2447 Optimal irrigation Time
Botrytis Bunch Rot: Who, Where, When, and What to Use
Walt Mahaffee, Research Plant Pathologist USDA-ARS-HCRL
This project will aid Botrytis bunch rot management by improving our understanding how and where Botrytis bunch rot disease epidemics start and progress. First, it will identify when inoculum is available and infects fruit to optimize disease management practices. Second, it will determine the extent of fungicide resistance in Oregon vineyards to mitigate further spread of resistant populations. Together, the results from this project will allow Oregon grape growers to make better-informed integrative pest management decisions to control bunch rot.
Utilizing malolactic fermentation as a tool to prevent Brettanomyces bruxellensis wine spoilage
James P. Osborne, Associate Professor and Enology Extension Specialist, Department of Food Science and Technology, Oregon State University
During and shortly after malolactic fermentation (MLF), wine is particularly susceptible to Brettanomyces (Brett) spoilage since sulfur dioxide (SO2) cannot be added until MLF is complete. Because of this, it is recommended to conduct a rapid MLF with inoculated cultures to minimize the time that wine is without SO2. This project investigates an additional benefit of conducting a rapid MLF: the prevention of Brett growth due to inhibitory interactions with O. oeni. Results showed that some O. oeni strains inhibited the growth of Brett when Brett was inoculated at the end of MLF. Not all Brett strains were inhibited by O. oeni and current studies are investigating the cause of this strain variation. This information will aid in the development of strategies to better utilize MLF to reduce the risk of wine spoilage by Brett.
Project Reference: 2238_MLF & Brett
Characterizing Willamette Valley soil moisture and grapevine response under drying seasonal conditions
Patricia Skinkis, Professor and Viticulture Extension Specialist, Oregon State University.
Paul Schreiner, Research Plant Physiologist, USDA-ARS.
Vineyards in the Willamette Valley experience late season water stress that may be limiting vine growth and production, depending on soil type and season. There is a need for producers to understand how to manage vineyard soil water, whether through irrigation or vineyard floor management. During this 3-year project, we are monitoring soil moisture and Pinot noir grapevine growth, water stress, and fruit development and composition across three soil types. This work is underway in a commercial vineyard comprised of three soil types that are common to Willamette Valley wine grape vineyards, including a sedimentary soil, volcanic soil, and marine sediment soil. Information will be useful to regional growers to understand soil moisture management and will lead to regional vineyard floor and vine balance guidelines based on soil and productivity potential.
Rootstock effects on mature Pinot noir growth and productivity under cool climate, dry-farmed conditions
Patricia Skinkis, Professor and Viticulture Extension Specialist, Oregon State University.
The Oregon wine grape industry has experienced warmer, drier summers over the past decade. The first grafted vineyards were planted to three vigor-reducing rootstocks (101-14, 3309 and Riparia Gloire). However, with drier conditions, growers question the suitability of these rootstocks for the Willamette Valley, and there is great interest in understanding how rootstocks can be selected to help determine suitability for dry-farming and/or optimizing irrigation water in the region. Over three growing seasons, we are evaluating an established OSU rootstock trial (planted in 1997), with focus on Pinot noir growth response on 19 rootstocks and compared to own-rooted vines. We are monitoring phenological advancement, yield, basic fruit ripeness, YAN, anthocyanins and phenolics. Findings from this research will help growers make new vineyard plant material selections, by allowing them to consider the performance of varied rootstocks locally and under dry-farmed conditions.