OLD_SERA14: Development and Evaluation of Bunch and Muscadine Grapes for Fresh Market, Juice, Wine and Other Products (IEG-52)

(Multistate Research Coordinating Committee and Information Exchange Group)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

Project Menu

SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[11/19/2004] [12/02/2005] [11/17/2006] [11/20/2007] [11/26/2008]

Date of Annual Report: 11/19/2004

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 09/21/2004 - 09/23/2004
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2003 - 09/01/2004

Participants

Bates, Bob (rpbates@mail.ifas.ufl.edu) University of Florida IFAS;
Clark, John (jrclark@uark.edu) University of Arkansas;
Hellman, Ed (E-hellman@tamu.edu) Texas A & M University;
Johnston, Tony (johnston@mtsu.edu) Middle Tennessee State University;
Lauziere, Isabelle (ilauziere@tamu.edu) Texas A & M University;
Kamas, Jim (j-kamas@tamu.edu) Texas A & M University;
Lockwood, Dave (dlockwood@utk.edu) University of Tennessee;
McEachern, George Ray (g-mceachern@tamu.edu) Texas A & M University;
Morris, Justin (jumorris@uark.edu) University of Arkansas Div. of Agriculture IFSE;
Morris, William C. (wcmorris@utk.edu) University of Tennessee;
Mulder, Phil (philmul@okstate.edu) Oklahoma State University;
Striegler, Keith (rks464f@smsu.edu) SMSU MidAmerica Viticulture and Enology Research Center;
Stringer, Stephen (sjstringer@ars.usda.gov) USDA-ARS Poplarville, MS;
Broembsen, Sharon von (svonbro@okstate.edu) Oklahoma State University;
Waldstein, Daniel (dew898f@smsu.edu) SMSU MO Fruit Experiment Station

Brief Summary of Minutes

The 2004 annual meeting of SERA IEG-14 was hosted by Texas A&M University on September 21-23 in Austin, Texas. The first evening was a welcome dinner for the participants. Perhaps the highlight of the meeting was the vineyard and winery tour which took the group to the Texas Hill Country, one of the principal winegrowing regions of the state. A featured topic for discussion during the vineyard tour was Pierce's disease (PD) and the glassy-winged sharpshooter. In addition to the tours of two vineyards and wineries, the group had the opportunity to interact with the Texas multidisciplinary PD research team and spent a considerable amount of time discussing the issue. The business meeting was held to elect new officers and discuss planned activities and State representatives presented summary research reports. Keith Striegler was elected as Chair and Sharon von Broembsen as Secretary for 2004-2005. George Ray McEachern was presented with the William Nesbitt Award in recognition of his contributions to southern viticulture.

The minutes of the Business Meeting are available at http://sera-ieg-14.tamu.edu/business04.pdf

The Institute of Food Science and Engineering, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, compiled the summary reports of the contributing states for distribution at the meeting. The state summary reports are posted on the SERA IEG-14 website at http://sera-ieg-14.tamu.edu/accomplishments.html

Accomplishments

Publications

Gray, D. J. 2003. Plant growth and development - artificial seeds. Encyclopedia of Applied Plant Science. Elsevier Science Ltd., Oxford. 1305-1310. Gray, D. J., S. Jayasankar and Z. Li. 2004. Vitaceae (Grape Vitis spp.), In: R. E. Litz (Ed.), Biotechnology of Fruit and Nut Crops. CAB International Wallingford, U.K.. (In Press). Hatfield, J., J.R. Morris and R.T. Threlfall. 2003. Minimizing color degradation in blush wines. J. Food Quality 26:367-380. Jayasankar, J. and D. J. Gray. 2003. In vitro selection for disease resistance in plants an alternative to genetic engineering. AgBiotechNet 5: 1- 5. Johnson, D.T. 2004. History and management of Japanese beetle in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Proc. Oklahoma and Arkansas Horticulture Industries Show 23: 62-66. Li, Z. and D. J. Gray. 2003. Effect of five antimicrobial peptides on the growth of Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Eschericia coli and Xylella fastidiosa. Vitis 42: 95-97. Li, Z., S. Jayasankar and D. J. Gray, Bi-directional duplex promoters with duplicated enhancers significantly increase transgene expression in grape and tobacco. Trans. Res., 13, 2004, 143-154. Mertens-Talcott, S.U. Talcott, S.T., Percival, S.S. 2003. Low concentrations of quercetin and ellagic acid synergistically influence proliferation cytotoxicity and apoptosis in MOLT-4 human leukemic cells. J.Nutr. 133:2669-2674. Main, G.L. and J.R. Morris. 2004. Leaf-removal effects on Cynthiana yield, juice composition, and wine composition. Am. J. Enol. Vitic. 55(2): 147-152. Morris, J.R. 2004. Vineyard Mechanization - A Total Systems Approach. Wines & Vines April: 20-23. Morris, J.R. and P.L. Brady. 2003. Milestones in fruit and vegetable production, processing and quality. Hort.Sci.38(5):968-976. Morris, J.R. and R.K. Striegler. 2005. Grape juice: Factors that influence quality, processing technology, and economics. In: Processing fruits Science and Technology, 2nd edition (D.M. Barrett, L. Somogyi, and H. Ramaswamy, eds.) pp. 585-616, CRC Press, Boca Raton. Striegler, R.K., P.M. Carter, J.R. Morris, J.R. Clark, R.T. Threlfall and L.R. Howard. 2004. Yield, quality, and nutraceutical potential of selected muscadine cultivars grown in southwestern Arkansas. Hort Technology. (In press). Walker, T.L., J.R. Morris, R.T. Threlfall and G.L. Main. 2004. Comparison between ion exchange systems with tartaric acid addition for pH reduction of Syrah wine. J. Food Quality. (In press). Williamson, J. R. and D.T. Johnson. 2004. Effects of grape berry moth management practices and landscape on arthropod diversity in grape vineyards in the southern United States. HortTechnology (In Press). US Patents: Gray, D. J. and Z. T. Li, Multi-functional genetic markers and uses thereof. Provisional US Patent Ser. No. 60/465,015. 2003. Li, Z. T. and D. J. Gray, Nucleotide sequences of 2S albumen gene and its promoter and uses thereof. US Patent Application Ser. No. 10/382,066. 2003.

Impact Statements

The participants provide invaluable assistance to the 152 wineries and the growers of the Region in improving the efficiency and quality of production, the quality of products and the development of new value-added products.
Incorporation of he vineyard mechanization systems in the test plots in California have provided a 50-70% reduction in pruning cost and a 70-90% reduction for shoot thinning and fruit thinning costs over hand labor for the same work.
Enormous interest in new opportunities for muscadine value-added products has led to new cultivation of muscadines; as an example, one single company is attempting to contract for 1,000 acres of production.

Date of Annual Report: 12/02/2005

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/04/2005 - 10/06/2005
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2004 - 10/01/2005

Participants

Allen, Andy (AndyAllen@mvec-usa.org) Missouri State University,
MidAmerican Viticulture and Enology Center;
Bates, Bob (rpbates@mail.ifas.ufl.edu) University of Florida IFAS;
Hellman, Ed (E-hellman@tamu.edu) Texas A & M University;
Howard, Susanne (SusanneHoward@mvec-usa.org) Missouri State University,
MidAmerican Viticulture and Enology Center;
Kamas, Jim (j-kamas@tamu.edu) Texas A & M University;
Kurtural, Kaan (skkurt@uky.edu) University of Kentucky;
Lockwood, Dave (dlockwood@utk.edu) University of Tennessee;
Morris, Justin (jumorris@uark.edu) University of Arkansas Div. of Agriculture
IFSE;
Morris, William C. (wcmorris@utk.edu) University of Tennessee;
Mulder, Phil (philmul@okstate.edu) Oklahoma State University;
Stafne, Eric (eric.t.stafne@okstate.edu) Oklahoma State University;
Striegler, Keith (KeithStriegler@mvec-usa.org) Missouri State University
MidAmerica Viticulture and Enology Center;
Stringer, Stephen (sjstringer@ars.usda.gov) USDA-ARS Poplarville, MS;
von Broembsen, Sharon (svonbro@okstate.edu) Oklahoma State University;

Brief Summary of Minutes

The Southern Extension Research Activity 14 held its 2005 Annual Meeting October 4-6 in Augusta, Missouri. States with representatives attending were Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Kentucky, Florida, Mississippi and a state report was also submitted by North Carolina.

The meeting began with a reception held at the Montelle Winery in Augusta on Tuesday evening, October 4. Tours of the Montelle, Augusta, and Mount Pleasant vineyards and wineries the following day focused on exchange of information on the growing of grapes and the production of wine. The business meeting was held on the morning of October 5. The 2005 Nesbitt Award was given by the group to Keith Striegler, Mid-America Viticulture and Enology Center, Missouri State University, in recognition of excellence in grape and wine research and for outstanding service to the grape industry across the Nation. The Nesbitt Award is designed to honor the career of a professional member of the SERA 14 grape working group for significant research and/or extension contributions to the grape industry in the Southern Region. An optional tour was made to the Chaumette and Crown Valley vineyards and wineries in the St. Genevieve area during the afternoon and evening of Thursday, October 6.

The SERA 14 Business Meeting, including delivery and discussion of state reports, took place Thursday morning at the Mount Pleasant facilities. Justin Morris, Extension Administrative Adviser, reported that Greg Weidemann, Research Administrative Adviser, expressed his regret at not being able to attend and his best wishes for a productive meeting. Jim Anderson, program coordinator of the Missouri Grape and Wine Advisory Board, began that meeting by presenting information on how the Missouri grape industry is organized and conducts it activities. In addition to initiatives to support vineyards and wineries, promotion of tourism is a high priority for the board. A compilation of state reports had previously been distributed, and oral versions of the state reports were presented in an informal format that allowed emphasis on the most pressing issues in each state and discussion of these issues with other state representatives. Documents supporting major issues were also supplied.

A report on the National Grape and Wine Initiative was provided for the group.
The background and priorities of this new national initiative were presented by Justin Morris and then discussed by the group. Ed Hellman presented information on how the consortium is organized and on future meetings and funding opportunities. He also commented on the availability of funding for variety trials through the multi-state project NE-1020. It was decided that the 2006 annual meeting will be held in East Tennessee, with Dave Lockwood and Bill Morris serving as Co-Chairs for the meeting.

The Institute of Food Science and Engineering, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, compiled the summary reports of the contributing states for distribution at the meeting. The state summary reports are being posted on the SERA 14 website at http://sera-ieg-14.tamu.edu/

Accomplishments

Collaborative research and Extension activities among participants New variety releases and production systems; product development and product quality evaluation Research and Extension publications and other education and technical information materials There are 277 wineries in the region that produce in excess of 4,500,000 gallons of wine annually. A conservative estimate of the yearly gross retail value of these wines exceeds one quarter of a billion dollars. Grape and wine production is an important alternative agricultural enterprise. Work on Pierce's Disease and other diseases affecting susceptible grape species continues to be important. The suitability of muscadine grapes for wine and other value-added products continues to be a fertile field for investigation in the South. All of our activities are consistent with, and speak to fulfillment of, our five stated Objectives with the outputs among those listed for each of those objectives. The SERA 14 website http://sera-ieg-14.tamu.edu/ provides participants the ability to share information and more importantly provides a mechanism to widely disseminate research results and information to all stakeholders. Efforts to increase the visibility of the Group's activities will allow recognition of the value of those activities to our stakeholders. As previously reported, the patent for the Morris-Oldridge Vineyard Mechanization System has been licensed by the University of Arkansas, and is currently being commercially marketed. During the 2005 season, research continued for the fourth year at a commercial vineyard in the Central Coast Region of California. Large scale studies (20 to 40-acre blocks) compare yield and quality of hand vs. machine production with six different cultivars. The actual yields obtained using mechanization have been very close to the target yield demanded by the winery, with fruit quality parameters almost identical between the hand and machine treatments. The vineyard data and winemaking results have shown that the commercial mechanization systems can be used by growers to successfully achieve the yield, quality, and canopy management goals that are expected of them by their wineries. An article in the Jan/Feb, 2005 issue of Vineyard and Winery Management presented an in-depth look at the implementation of mechanization and a brief discussion of the advantages of vineyard mechanization. The increase in interest in grape production that exists in almost every state in the Region has led to an increase in the number of programs to assist growers. In Kentucky, vineyard site selection assistance is being provided to the industry, based on GIS, climatological and topological raw data. State advisement programs common throughout the Region include workshops, field days, conferences, production short courses, newsletters, electronic advisories, site visits. A three-year cooperative project of Missouri and Arkansas is concerned with vineyard best management practices. Plots were set out in three "lighthouse" vineyards in each state to demonstrate the effects of specific practices and data is collected from each. Monthly tailgate meetings are held at these lighthouse vineyards throughout the season. These meetings emphasize the management practices occurring at that time, especially pest management practices. This tailgate BMP program has been very well received by growers. Oklahoma provides similar information at monthly meetings held at its wine grape demonstration vineyard during the growing season. Tennessee is preparing regional management guides. A three-day short course in viticulture was offered in Texas. A Research Report presented production budgets for wine and juice grapes suitable for cultivation in Arkansas. Varieties examined include V. labruscana, French-American and American hybrids, V. aestivalis, V. rotundifolia, and V. vinifera. Important production considerations specific to each of these varieties are summarized. Results indicate considerable variation in profit potential among varieties. However, one or more varieties can be profitably grown in most regions of the state. These budgets are adapted and used by prospective growers nationally. Muscadines, already an important regional grape, has enormous potential to play an even more important role in the grape and wine activities of the Region. Extensive and intensive research and Extension materials concentrating on muscadines are provided throughout the Region. These educational efforts are being assisted by a growing number of agencies in the various states providing financial assistance to their nascent muscadine industries. Additional SERA IEG-14 website links to existing and developing Muscadine resources have been posted. An example is the 2005 Southeast Regional Muscadine Grape Integrated Management Guide, from North Carolina State University, a comprehensive document for cultural practices, disease, insect and weed control, to be updated annually. Pierce's Disease (PD) is the bane of grape growers in many Southern states, severely limiting successful production of many grape species. Texas has obtained Increased funding for PD research to study the dynamics of disease spread, supplemental hosts of the pathogen and vectors, known and potential insect vectors, vector-host relationships, vineyard ecosystem composition, and genetic analysis of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, its causal organism. These data will be integrated into a Geographic Information System that may lead to discovery of important relationships between the vector and/or pathogen and environmental factors or vineyard conditions. University of Florida researchers achieved the breakthrough of producing plants that are highly resistant to PD. The level of PD resistance is so high that, even in stringent greenhouse screening tests, transgenic plants survive under inoculum conditions that severely affect even PD-resistant Florida hybrids. Plans for the coming year include continuing the effort to add SERA 14 website links to existing and developing Muscadine resources. Pierce's Disease work will continue and the need for disseminating information on PD will be addressed by research publications and additonal postings to the SERA 14 website.

Publications

Allen, A. 2004. Grape maturity and sampling for growers. Mid-America Viticulture and Enology Center, Southwest Missouri State University-Mountain Grove Campus, Vineyard and Vintage View 19(2): 1-4. Allen, A. 2004. Caring for the postharvest vineyard. Mid-America Viticulture and Enology Center, Southwest Missouri State University-Mountain Grove Campus, Vineyard and Vintage View 19(3): 4-5. Allen, A. 2004. Grapevine cold hardiness - Part I. Mid-America Viticulture and Enology Center, Southwest Missouri State University-Mountain Grove Campus, Vineyard and Vintage View 19(4): 5-7. Allen, A. 2005. Cold hardiness - Part II. Genetic influences. Mid-America Viticulture and Enology Center, Southwest Missouri State University-Mountain Grove Campus, Vineyard and Vintage View 20(1): 3-5 Bates, T., J.R. Morris, and G.L. Main. 2004. Total vineyard mechanization to optimize yield and quality of grapes. In: Overview of Viticulture Consortium-East, New York Agricultural Experiment Station, Cornell University, Geneva, New York. Report of 2004 proposals received and awards made and final reports for grant year 2003. pp. 226-238. Gray, D. J., First muscadine harvest at the new Mid-Florida Research and Education Center, Grape Times, Fla. Grape Growers Assoc. Newsletter, 2, 2004, 4. Gray, D. J., A new website to support and promote Florida viticulture, Grape Times, Fla. Grape Growers Assoc. Newsletter, 10, 2004, 3. Gray, D. J., S. Jayasankar and Z. Li, Vitaceae (Grape Vitis spp.), Chap. 22, In: R. E. Litz (Ed.), Biotechnology of Fruit and Nut Crops, Biotechnology in Agriculture Series, No. 29, CAB International Wallingford, U.K., 2005, pp. 672-706. Gray, D. J., Z. Li and J. Subramanian, Tissue-specific expression of lytic peptides in transgenic grapevines via use of a GFP/NPTII fusion marker, Invited publication, 2nd International Symposium on Biotechnology of Tropical and Subtropical Species, ACTA Hort., 2004, (In Press). Jayasankar S., M. Van Aman, J. Cordts, Z. Li and D. J. Gray, Long term storage of suspension culture-derived grapevine somatic embryos and regeneration of plants, In Vitro Cell. Dev. Biol. Plant (In Press). Li, Z. and D. J. Gray, Isolation by improved TAIL-PCR and characterization of a seed specific 2S albumin gene and its promoter from grape (Vitis vinifera L.). Genome 48, 2005, 312-320. Johnson, D. T. 2005. History and management of green June beetle and Japanese beetle. Mid-America Viticulture and Enology Center, Southwest Missouri State University-Mountain Grove Campus, Vineyard and Vintage View Spring 20(1): 7-9. Lu, J., H. Huang, W. Hunter, P. Dang, S. Leong. Identification of Disease Defense- and Stress Related Genes in the Grape Vitis shuttleworthii Grape though EST Analysis. International Conference of Plant and Animal Genome. San Diego, California Main, G.L. 2005. Growing and vinting Cynthiana/Norton grapes. Proceedings of 24th Annual Horticultural Industries Show, Fort Smith, AR January 14-15. pg 77-81. Main, G.L., J.R. Morris and R.T. Threlfall. 2005. Comparison of methods to increase sugars for production of white table and dessert style wines. J. Food Quality. In review. Mertens-Talcott, S.U., Bomser, J.A., Romero, C., Talcott, S.T., and Percival, S.S. Ellagic acid potentiates the effect of quercetin on p21waf1/cip1, p53 and MAP-kinases without affecting intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species in vitro. J.Nutr. 135(3):609-14, 2005. Mertens-Talcott, S.U. and Percival, S.S. Ellagic Acid and Quercetin Interact Synergistically with Resveratrol in the Induction of Apoptosis, and Cause Transient Cell Cycle Arrest in Human Leukemia Cells. Cancer Letters 218:141-151, 2005. Morris, J.R. 2005. Successful total vineyard mechanization. Vineyard and Winery Management. 31(1): 84-90. Morris, J.R and P.L. Brady. 2005. The Muscadine Experience: Adding Value to Enhance Profits, Research Report 974. Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, Fayetteville, Arkansas. Morris, J.R., G.L. Main and O.L. Oswald. 2004. Flower cluster and shoot thinning for crop control in French-American Hybrid grapes. Am. J. Enol. Vitic. 55(4):423-426. Morris, J.R., G.L. Main, and R.K. Striegler. 2005. Rootstock effects on Sunbelt productivity and fruit composition. In: Grapevine Rootstocks: Current Use, Research, and Application. Proceedings of the 2005 Rootstock Symposium. Peter Cousins and Keith Striegler (Eds.). pp. 77-83. Osage Beach, MO. February 5, 2005. Noguera, E., J.R. Morris, R.K. Striegler and M. Thomsen. 2005. Production Budgets for Arkansas Wine and Juice Grapes, Research Report 976. Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, Fayetteville, Arkansas. Noguera, E., J.R. Morris, R.K. Striegler and M. Thomsen. 2005. Update on Vineyard Economics in Arkansas. In: Wine East Buyers Guide. H. Cattell and L.J. McKee (eds.). Wine East. Lancaster, Penn. Pp. 12-31. Striegler, R.K., P.M. Carter, J.R. Morris, J.R. Clark, R.T. Threlfall, and L.R. Howard. 2005. Yield, quality and nutraceutical potential of selected muscadine cultivars grown in southwest Arkansas. HortTech. 15(2):276-284. Striegler, R.K., J.R. Morris, G.L. Main and C.B. Lake. 2005. Effect of rootstock on fruit composition, yield, growth, and vine nutritional status of Cabernet franc. In: Grapevine Rootstocks: Current Use, Research, and Application. Proceedings of the 2005 Rootstock Symposium. Peter Cousins and Keith Striegler (Eds.). pp. 84-93. Osage Beach, MO. February 5, 2005. Threlfall, R.T., G.L. Main and J.R. Morris. 2005. Laboratory handling of red grapes to estimate wine composition from microvinification. Submitted. Threlfall, R.T., J.R. Morris, L.R. Howard, C.R. Brownmiller and T.L. Walker. 2005. Pressing effects on yield, quality, and nutraceutical content of juice, seeds, and skins from Black Beauty and Sunbelt grapes. J. Food Sci. 70(3):167-171. Threlfall, R.T. and J.R. Morris. 2005. Yeast rehydration aid and nutrients to enhance initiation and completion of wine fermentation. Italian J. Food Sci. In review. Walker, T.L., J.R. Morris, R.T. Threlfall, and G.L. Main. 2004. Quality, sensory and cost comparison for pH reduction of Syrah wine using ion exchange or tartaric acid. J. Food Quality. 27:483-496. Williamson, J. R. and D. T. Johnson. 2005. Effects of grape berry moth management practices and landscape on arthropod diversity in grape vineyards in the southern United States. HortTechnology 15: 232-238.

Impact Statements

The participants provide invaluable assistance to the 277 wineries and the growers of the Region in improving the efficiency and quality of production, the quality of products and the development of new value-added products.
The number of active wineries has increased from 152 to 277 in just over three years. A valuable contributor to this growth has been the research and Extension expertise and the efforts of Region scientists.
Incorporation of the vineyard mechanization systems in the test plots in California have provided a 50-70% reduction in pruning cost and a 70-90% reduction for shoot thinning and fruit thinning costs over hand labor for the same work.
Enormous interest in new opportunities for muscadine value-added products has led to new cultivation of muscadines; as an example, one single company contracted for 1,000 acres of production.

Date of Annual Report: 11/17/2006

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 09/25/2006 - 09/27/2006
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2005 - 09/01/2006

Participants

Allen, Andy (allenra@missouri.edu)- University of Missouri,
Institute for Continental Climate Viticulture and Enology;
Bergmeier, Elijah (bergmeiere@missouri.edu)- University of Missouri,
Institute for Continental Climate Viticulture and Enology;
Boozer, Bobby (boozert@auburn.edu)- Auburn University;
Cottrell, Thomas (tom.cottrell@uky.edu)- University of Kentucky;
Fisk, Connie (connie_fisk@ncsu.edu)- North Carolina State University
Giese, Gill (gieseg@surry.edu)- Surry Community College, North Carolina;
Kurtural, Kaan (skkurt@uky.edu)- University of Kentucky;
Lockwood, Dave (dlockwood@utk.edu)- University of Tennessee;
Lu, Jiang (jiang.lu@famu.edu)- Florida A & M University;
Morris, Justin (jumorris@uark.edu)- University of Arkansas Div. of Agriculture,
Institute of Food Science and Engineering;
Morris, William C. (wcmorris@utk.edu)- University of Tennessee;
O'Daniel, Brandon - University of Kentucky;
Sorensen, Ken (kenneth_sorensen@ncsu.edu)- North Carolina State University;
Spayd, Sara (sara_spayd@ncsu.edu)- North Carolina State University;
Stringer, Stephen (sjstringer@ars.usda.gov)- USDA-ARS Poplarville, MS

Brief Summary of Minutes

The Southern Extension Research Activity 14 held its 2006 Annual Meeting September 25-27 in Knoxville, Tennessee. States with representatives attending were Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Florida, Mississippi, and Alabama with a state report also submitted by Oklahoma.

The meeting was convened at the Knoxville Hilton hotel Monday evening, September 25 with a social reception and a get acquainted again session. At the business meeting the next morning, the group was welcomed by Tim Cross, Associate Dean of the Agricultural Extension Service and Mike Davidson, Interim Department Head, Department of Food Science and Technology, both of the University of Tennessee. In his introductory remarks, Justin Morris, Extension Administrative Advisor to the Group, offered greetings from Greg Weidemann, Research Administrative Advisor to the Group who sent his regrets that he was unable to attend, and encouraged the group to keep active and maintain their cooperative efforts, citing the importance of these Extension and research efforts to the Southern Region. Justin also asked for everyone to formally recognize the efforts of Bill Morris and Dave Lockwood in doing such a fine job planning and hosting the meeting and thank them for a job well done. Attendees then began giving their state reports. Gill Giese delivered a PowerPoint presentation on Surry (North Carolina) Community Colleges enology and viticulture program.

At noon, we left for a tour of two commercial vineyards located in Jefferson County, Tennessee about one hour east of Knoxville, and one demonstration vineyard in the eastern part of Knox County. Bob Gaddis operates one of the oldest commercial vineyards in Tennessee. Production comes from American bunch and French-American hybrid cultivars. Some trials are being initiated using V. vinifera cultivars. While most of the production goes to local wineries, some seedless cultivars are being grown and marketed either direct to the consumer or via local farmers markets. Hammer Vineyards also grows mostly American and French-American hybrids for wine. They do have perhaps the oldest Chardonnay planting in commercial production in Tennessee. The demonstration plot is owned and operated by Rob Pearce. He has twenty-five varieties, most of them being V. vinifera cultivars, on four different trellising systems. We tasted ten different wines from this vineyard.

We reconvened on Wednesday, September 27 and completed the presentation of the state reports. It was evident to all that the wine and grape industry in the Southern Region continues to grow. Each state is experiencing an increase in the acreage of grapes planted and an increase in wineries being built or planned. It was noted that some personnel from the Mid-America Viticulture and Enology Center have moved to the University of Missouri - Columbia and its newly-formed Institute for Continental Climate Viticulture and Enology, largely supported by the Missouri Grape and Wine Board. The Institute will initially "focus on research and Extension efforts for grape and wine producers in Missouri and surrounding areas."

Sara Spayd and Connie Fisk, both from North Carolina State University, will serve as the new Co-Chairs of the Group. The 2007 annual meeting will be held in North Carolina with details forthcoming.

The minutes of the Business Meeting and the state summary reports are being posted on our website http://sera-ieg-14.tamu.edu/

Accomplishments

Collaborative research and Extension activities among participants New variety releases and production systems; product development and product quality evaluation Research and Extension publications and other education and technical information materials There are 324 wineries in the region that produce in excess of 4,500,000 gallons of wine annually. A conservative estimate of the yearly gross retail value of these wines exceeds one quarter of a billion dollars. Grape and wine production is an important alternative agricultural enterprise. Residents of several Southern states have a strong tradition of making a living from a well-tended, sustainable, small farm. In many states, tobacco has historically been the main crop. In many cases, this acreage is now being planted in grapes. SERA 14 participants help to sustain this agrarian tradition, with its strong work ethic and excellent agricultural land and climate, to enhance the potential for the continued economic well-being of these small farmers. All of our activities are consistent with, and speak to fulfillment of, our five stated Objectives with the outputs among those listed for each of those objectives. The SERA 14 website http://sera-ieg-14.tamu.edu/ provides participants the ability to share information and more importantly provides a mechanism to widely disseminate research results and information to all stakeholders. Efforts to increase the visibility of the Groups activities will allow recognition of the value of those activities to our stakeholders. SERA 14 researchers participated in the finalization of national research priorities by the National Grape and Wine Initiative. Surry Community College established a viticulture and enology program in 1999 to serve the states wine and grape industry and enhance economic opportunity for North Carolinians. Students from throughout North Carolina and surrounding states benefit from hands-on training, study and industry networking opportunities. Graduates and entrepreneurs go on to own, operate and work in the states new vineyards, wineries and related businesses; such as retail, consulting, vineyard maintenance and industry supply services. Surry County is home to one of the largest plantings of vinifera (traditional European winegrapes) on the east coast, located within the recently designated Yadkin Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area). Access to local operations is fundamental to internships and part-time employment for students. Hands-on learning by doing and problem solving is emphasized. A successful internship program allows students to apply their new knowledge and skills assisting vineyard and winery owners Several applied best practice studies and applied viticulture research projects have been initiated. The schools facilities include a 4.5 acre vineyard, a bonded winery (2,500 gallon capacity), crush pad, bottling line, laboratory/classroom and barrel room for aging wine. A viticulture field lab/shop building was completed in 2004. Over 500 students have been served since the programs inception and 40 students are currently enrolled. Students participate in curriculum and continuing education classes, field trips to wineries and vineyards, and/or seminars presented by recognized industry professionals. Three classes are available via the internet (Introduction to Viticulture, Vineyard Establishment and Development, and Grape Pests Diseases and Disorders). Recently, the North Carolina Legislature appropriated funding to provide for initial planning for a state viticulture and enology center to serve the states wine and grape industry to be located on the Surry Community College campus. Pruning, shoot thinning, and fruit thinning are three labor intensive operations that can be mechanized within the Morris-Oldridge Vineyard Mechanization System (M-O System). OXBO International Corp. has commercially implemented the M-O System through machinery marketed under the trade name vMechtm. In June 2006 University of Arkansas researchers traveled to the French Camp Vineyards near Paso Robles, California where research studies continue to be conducted to validate the effectiveness of the M-O System. Data from these studies have been used to develop budgets to estimate the economic impacts of mechanizing these operations. Budgets were developed for three trellising systems used by French Camp Vineyards and common to other commercial vineyards in the region. These are the vertical shoot positioned (VSP), modified 2 ft. lyre, and 3 ft. quadrilateral (quad) trellising systems. The manager of the cooperating vineyard has five years experience with the equipment and provided field speeds, material usage, and other information necessary to compute the costs of machine farming. The increase in interest in grape production that exists in almost every state in the Region has led to an increase in the number of programs to assist growers. State advisement programs common throughout the Region include workshops, field days, conferences, production short courses, newsletters, electronic advisories, site visits. A three-year cooperative project of Missouri and Arkansas concerned with vineyard best management practices continues. Plots were set out in three lighthouse vineyards in each state to demonstrate the effects of specific practices, and data is collected from each. Monthly tailgate meetings are held at these lighthouse vineyards throughout the season. These meetings emphasize the management practices occurring at that time, especially pest management practices. This tailgate BMP program has been very well received by growers. Muscadines, already an important regional grape, has enormous potential to play an even more important role in the grape and wine activities of the Region. Extensive and intensive research and Extension materials concentrating on muscadines are provided throughout the Region. These educational efforts are being assisted by a growing number of agencies in the various states providing financial assistance to their nascent muscadine industries. Additional SERA 14 website links to existing and developing Muscadine resources have been posted. An example is the 2005 Southeast Regional Muscadine Grape Integrated Management Guide, from North Carolina State University, a comprehensive document for cultural practices, disease, insect and weed control, to be updated annually. Researchers at the University of Florida have identified a novel peptide with antimicrobial activity that is very effective in preventing colonization and growth of X. fastidiosa. The X. fastidiosa bacterium causes Pierce's Disease and is spread by specific insect vectors. The bacterium lives exclusively in the water vessels of a wide variety of plants, but the strain that lives in grapevines clogs these vessels, causing leaf loss and eventual death of the vine. Susceptible (Vitis vinifera) varieties of grape that express the gene for the novel peptide are resistant to Pierces Disease, even after multiple exposures to the bacteria. This technology will enable the development of grape varieties resistant to Pierces Disease and will allow for the advancement of the wine industry in the disease-susceptible areas of the southeast United States and in California where the insect vector has established a presence in grape growing regions.

Publications

Bradeley, F., H. Huang, Z. Ren, W. Hunter, P. Dang and J. Lu. 2005. Discovery of cSNP between Vitis Shuttleworthii and Vitis Vinifera Cabernet Sauvignon ESTs and Prediction of Subsequent Amino Acid and Protein Function Changes. Proceeding of International Grape Genome Conference. July 12-14. St. Louis, Missouri. pp 68 -69. Huang, H, J. Lu, W. Hunter. 2005. Comparative Analysis of Stilbene Synthase Genes among Vitis Species. Acta Horticulturae. (in press). Huang, H., J. Lu, Z. Ren, W. Hunter and P. Dang. 2005. Development of Grape EST-SSR Markers for Genotyping and Mapping Disease Resistant Genes. Proceeding of International Grape Genome Conference. July 12-14. St. Louis, Missouri. pp 66-67. Lu, J., X. Xu, and Y. Jittayasothornung. 2005. Establishment of an efficient somatic embryogenesis and regeneration system in muscadine grape (Vitis rotundifolia). Acta Horticulturae. (in press). Lu, J., H. Huang, Z. Ren. F. Bradeley, W. Hunter and P. Dang. 2005. Towards identification, isolation and characterization of disease resistance genes from native north American grape (Vitis L.) species. Acta Horticulturae. (in press). Lu, J., H. Huang, Z. Ren, F. Bradeley, W. Hunter and P. Dang. 2005. A Comparative Genomics Analysis between V. Shuttleworthii and V. Vinifera Grapes. Proceeding of International Grape Genome Conference. July 12-14. St. Louis, Missouri. pp 64-65. Morris, J.R. 2006. Development and incorporation of mechanization into intensely managed grape vineyards. Paper and Abstract Book, Wine Growing for the Future, 6th International Cool Climate Symposium for Viticulture and Enology. Pp 68-83. Morris, J.R. 2006. University of Arkansas Grape and Wine Program: The Muscadine Experience. Proceeds of the Georgia-South Carolina Muscadine Conference, Savannah, Georgia. Jan. 5-8. Pp. 16-30. Ren, Z., J. Lu and X. Xu. 2005. Vine vigor and fruit characteristics of muscadine grapes. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 118: 273-274. Stafne, E.T. 2006. Rubaiyat and Oklahomas winegrape legacy. J. Amer. Pomol. Soc. (In press). Stafne, E.T. 2006. Rubaiyat: An old cultivar with new potential. HortScience 41:1068 (abstr.) Stafne, E.T. and B.L. Carroll. 2006. Grape Rootstocks for Oklahoma. Oklahoma State University Fact Sheet F-6253. Stafne, E.T., B.D. McCraw, W.G. McGlynn, and R.K. Striegler. 2006. Effect of Rootstock on Yield and Quality of Cabernet Franc (Vitis vinifera) in Oklahoma. HortScience 41:512 (abstr.) Threlfall, R.T., G.L. Main and J.R. Morris. 2006. Effect of Freezing Grape Berries and Heating Must Samples on Extraction of Components and Composition Parameters of Red Wine Grape Varieties. Australian J. Grape and Wine Res. 12:161-169. Xu, X. J. Lu, J. Grosser, P. Cousins, D. Dalling, and Y. Jittayasothornung. 2005. Isolation and culture of grape protoplasts from somatic embryogenic suspension cultures and leaves of Vitis vinifera and Vitis rotundifolia. Acta Horticulturae. (in press). Xu, X., J. Lu, and Z. Ren. 2005. Callus induction and somatic embryogenesis in muscadine and seedless bunch grapes (Vitis) from immature ovule culture. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 118: 260-262.

Impact Statements

Pierces Disease is threatening the profitability of Californias grape and wine industries and limits the expansion of this industry in the southeastern United States. Currently, losses from PD exceed 100 million dollars. Florida researchers have developed and tested a novel and very effective antimicrobial peptide that can be engineered into grapevines to provide resistance against PD. The University of Florida is actively seeking companies interested in commercializing this novel breakthrough
The number of active wineries has increased from 277 to 324 in less than two years. A valuable contributor to this growth has been the research and Extension expertise and the efforts of Region scientists. The participants provide invaluable assistance to the wineries and the growers of the Region in improving the efficiency and quality of production, the quality of products and the development of new value-added products.
Cost savings with vineyard mechanization are economically significant and range from roughly $260/acre (VSP) to nearly $600/acre (quad) while maintaining or improving fruit quality. Differences largely reflect differences in vine spacing. Piece rates for pruning operations range from 42 to 60% of the costs of traditional farming methods. The largest cost savings are realized from shoot thinning and fruit thinning operations; hand labor costs are only 8 to 15% of traditional methods.
While dollar cost savings are large, vineyard mechanization provides other advantages. First, mechanization helps to stabilize grape yield through the concept of balanced cropping. The final adjustment on crop size can be made late in the growing season affording an opportunity to compensate for crop losses due to frost injury, poor growing conditions, or poor fruit set. Second, by eliminating reliance on hand labor, the vineyard is able to retain fewer, but better trained, workers.
Enormous interest in new opportunities for muscadine value-added products continues to lead to new cultivation of muscadines, supported in many of the Southern states with various kinds of state financial support. Work has begun to develop grower cooperative associations to support the production and marketing of muscadines and derivative products. The creation of a stable, long-term market in the U.S. and abroad will have a substantial economic impact for small Southern growers.

Date of Annual Report: 11/20/2007

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 09/25/2007 - 09/26/2007
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2006 - 09/01/2007

Participants

Allen, Andy (allenra@missouri.edu) University of Missouri,
Institute for Continental Climate Viticulture and Enology;
Bates, Bob (rpb@ufl.edu) University of Florida;
Burrack, Hannah (hannah_burrack@ncsu.edu) North Carolina State University;
Burton, Jim (jim_burton@ncsu.edu) North Carolina State University;
Carroll, Dan (dec@unity.ncsu.edu) North Carolina State University;
Fisk, Connie (connie_fisk@ncsu.edu) North Carolina State University
Hellman, Ed (ed-hellman@tamu.edu) Texas A&M/Texas Tech;
Hopkins, Lisa (lisa_hopkins@ncsu.edu) North Carolina State University;
Johnson, Donn (dtjohnso@uark.edu) University of Arkansas;
Johnston, Tony (johnston@mtsu.edu) Middle Tennessee State University;
Lockwood, Dave (dlockwood@utk.edu) University of Tennessee;
Lu, Jiang (jiang.lu@famu.edu) Florida A&M University;
Martin, Jody (jamrtn@clemson.edu) Clemson University;
McGlynn, William (william.mcglynn@okstate.edu) Oklahoma State University;
Phillips, Nate (nphillip@mtsu.edu) Middle Tennessee State University;
Phister, Trevor (trevor_phister@ncsu.edu) North Carolina State University;
Sorensen, Ken (kenneth_sorensen@ncsu.edu) North Carolina State University;
Spayd, Sara (sara_spayd@ncsu.edu) North Carolina State University;
Stafne, Eric (eric.t.stafne@okstate.edu) Oklahoma State University;
Stringer, Stephen (sjstringer@ars.usda.gov) USDA-ARS Poplarville, MS; and
Sutton, Turner (turner_sutton@ncsu.edu) North Carolina State University

Brief Summary of Minutes

The Southern Extension Research Activity 14 held its 2007 Annual Meeting September 25-26 in Raleigh, North Carolina. States with representatives attending were Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas, with a state report submitted by Georgia.

The Group met at the Ramada Inn on the morning of the 25th and departed for a tour to Irongate Winery in Mebane. After a tour of the vineyards and winery, followed by lunch, the business meeting convened at the J.C. Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh. The meeting was called to order by the Co-Chairperson, Sara Spayd (North Carolina State University). Sara offered greetings on behalf of Justin Morris, Extension Administrative Advisor to the Group, and Doug Archer, Administrative Advisor to the Group; both were regrettably unable to attend. The Group was encouraged to keep active and maintain their cooperative efforts, given the importance of these Extension and research efforts to the Southern Region.

After a discussion of recent meeting locations and possible alternatives, it was decided to ask Justin Morris to host the 2008 Annual Meeting and serve as Chair. Tony Johnston volunteered to continue serving as Secretary. The dates for the 2008 are yet to be determined.

Bob Bates was honored as the recipient of the 2007 Nesbitt Award in honor of his extensive research and Extension work on Muscadine grapes in Florida and the entire southeast. Significant time was spent discussing the late spring frost of 2007. This frost event significantly impacted grape production throughout the region, with severity increasing from south to north.

State reports were delivered by members present. It continues to be highly evident that the wine and grape industry in the Southern Region continues to grow. Upon conclusion of these presentations, the meeting was adjourned, and the Group continued to dinner. The minutes of the Business Meeting and the state summary reports are being posted on our website http://sera-ieg-14.tamu.edu/

On the morning of the 26th, the Group gathered to depart for Hinnant's Winery in Pine Level. Following a tour of the vineyards and winery, the Group departed for Duplin Wine Cellars in Rose Hill. Duplin hosted lunch, a tour and a tasting. A visit to the Horticultural Crops Research Station at Castle Hayne followed. The day concluded with dinner at the TBD Seafood Restaurant in Wrightsville Beach.

Accomplishments

Collaborative research and Extension activities among participants New variety releases and production systems; product development and product quality evaluation Research and Extension publications and other education and technical information materials Over 400 wineries in the region produce in excess of 4,500,000 gallons of wine annually. A conservative estimate of the yearly gross retail value of these wines exceeds one quarter of a billion dollars. Grape and wine production is an important alternative agricultural enterprise in the Region. The Southern states have a strong tradition of making a living from a well-tended, sustainable, small farm. In many states, much acreage formerly planted in tobacco is now being planted in grapes. SERA 14 participants help to sustain this agrarian tradition, with its strong work ethic and excellent agricultural land and climate, to enhance the potential for the continued economic well-being of these small farmers. The Institute of Food Science and Engineering of the University of Arkansas received an NRI grant to help small and medium-sized farms and entrepreneurs enhance the viability of their operations through the establishment of vineyards, on-farm wineries, and production of value-added products from grapes and grape by-products. All of our activities are consistent with, and speak to fulfillment of, our five stated Objectives with the outputs among those listed for each of those objectives. The SERA 14 website http://sera-ieg-14.tamu.edu/ provides participants the ability to share information and more importantly provides a mechanism to widely disseminate research results and information to all stakeholders. Increased efforts to increase the visibility of the Groups activities will increase the value of those activities to our stakeholders. SERA 14 researchers are actively involved in the activities of the National Grape and Wine Initiative (NGWI). The NGWI is a nationwide coalition representing all segments of the grape industry including raisins, juice, table grapes and wine. NGWI membership includes grape growers, processors, wineries and representatives of academic institutions committed to improving the grape industry. Pruning, shoot thinning, and fruit thinning are three labor intensive operations that can be mechanized within the Morris-Oldridge Vineyard Mechanization System (M-O System). OXBO International Corp. has licensed the use of the patented M-O System and commercially implemented it through machinery that is now being marketed under the trade name KorvanTM Vineyard. In July 2007 University of Arkansas researchers again traveled to the French Camp Vineyards near Paso Robles, California where research studies continue to be conducted to validate the effectiveness of the M-O System. Data from these studies have been used to develop budgets to estimate the economic impacts of mechanizing these operations. Budgets were developed for three trellising systems used by French Camp Vineyards and common to other commercial vineyards in the region. These are the vertical shoot positioned (VSP), modified 2 ft. lyre, and 3 ft. quadrilateral (quad) trellising systems. The increase in interest in grape production that exists in almost every state in the Region has led to an increase in the number of programs to assist growers. State advisement programs common throughout the Region include workshops, field days, conferences, production short courses, newsletters, electronic advisories, site visits. A three-year cooperative project of Missouri and Arkansas concerned with vineyard best management practices continued. Plots were set out in three "lighthouse" vineyards in each state to demonstrate the effects of specific practices, and data is collected from each. Monthly tailgate meetings are held at these lighthouse vineyards throughout the season. These meetings emphasize the management practices occurring at that time, especially pest management practices. This tailgate BMP program has been very well received by growers. Extensive and intensive research and Extension materials concentrating on muscadines are provided throughout the Region. These educational efforts are being assisted by a growing number of agencies in the various states providing financial assistance to their nascent muscadine industries. Additional SERA 14 website links to existing and developing Muscadine resources have been posted. An example is the update of The Muscadine Experience: Adding Value to Enhance Profit. New material added to this booklet includes data comparing the cost of establishing a muscadine vineyard with the costs for other types of grapes and operating costs for vineyards of different grape species. Researchers at the University of Florida have identified a novel peptide with antimicrobial activity that is very effective in preventing colonization and growth of X. fastidiosa. The X. fastidiosa bacterium causes Pierce's Disease and is spread by specific insect vectors. The bacterium lives exclusively in the water vessels of a wide variety of plants, but the strain that lives in grapevines clogs these vessels, causing leaf loss and eventual death of the vine. Susceptible (Vitis vinifera) varieties of grape that express the gene for the novel peptide are resistant to Pierce's Disease, even after multiple exposures to the bacteria. This biocontrol is currently being evaluated in tests in commercial vineyards in different geographical locations and in various genotypes of grapevine. Researchers across multiple academic disciplines at several institutions are establishing a dynamic and interactive Research Center to critically examine the potential role of grape-derived polyphenolic compounds to prevent, attenuate, and possibly to arrest Alzheimer's disease cognitive deterioration. Participants presented at the Small Fruit and Grape Crop Injury Symposium at the ASHS Annual Meeting

Publications

Andersen, P.C. 2006. Performance of 20 muscadine grape cultivars in north Florida. J. Amer. Pomol. Soc. 60(3)129-135. Gurbuz, O.; Rouseff, J. M. and Rouseff, R. L. 2006. Comparison of aroma volatiles in commercial Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon wines using gas chromatography - olfactometry and gas chromatography - mass spectrometry. J. Agric. Food Chem. 54(11), 3990-3996. Main, G.L. and Morris, J.R. 2007. Effect of macerating enzymes and postfermentation grapeseed tannin on color of Cynthiana wines. Am. J. Enol. Vitic. 58:365-372. Main, G.L., Morris, J.R. and Threlfall, R.T. 2007. Use of a thin-film vacuum evaporator to produce white and dessert-style wine. Wine East 2007 Buyers Guide pp. 18, 20-23, 25. Main, G.L., Threlfall, R.T. and Morris, J.R. 2007. Reduction of malic acid in wine using natural and genetically enhanced microorganisms. Am. J. Enol. Vitic. 58:341-345. Meullenet, J-F., Lovely, C., Threlfall, R.T., Morris, J.R. and Striegler, R.K. 2007. An ideal point density plot method for determining an optimal sensory profile for Muscadine grape juice. Food Qual. Prefer. In press. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foodqual.2007.06.011 Morris, J.R. 2007. Development and commercialization of complete vineyard mechanization system. HortTech. 17(4):1-10. Morris, J. R. and P.L. Brady. 2007. The Muscadine Experience: Adding Value to Enhance Profits (Revised Edition). Research Report 982. Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station. Fayetteville, Arkansas. Morris, J.R., Main, G.L. and Striegler, R.K. 2007. Rootstock and Training System Affect 'Sunbelt' Grape Productivity and Fruit Composition. J. Am. Pomolog. Soc. 61(2):71-77. Morris, J.R., Main, G.L. and Striegler, R.K. 2007. Evaluation of wines made from new cultivars. In Proceedings of 22nd Midwest Grape and Wine Conference, pp. 173-180. Osage Beach, MO. February 3-5. Reddy, J.D., Reddy, S.L., Hopkins, D.L. and Gabriel, D.W. 2007. TolC is required for pathogenicity of Xylella fastidiosa in grapevine. Mol. Plant-Microbe Interact. 20:403-410. Thomsen, M.R. and J.R. Morris. 2007. Economics of mechanizing pre-harvest vineyard operations. Wine East 2007 Buyers Guide pp.6,8,10-12,14-17. Threlfall, R.T., Morris, J.R. and Meullenet, J-F. 2007. Product development and nutraceutical analysis to enhance the value of dried fruit. J. Food Qual. 30:552-566. Threlfall, R.T., Morris, J.R., Meullenet, J-F. and Striegler, R.K.. 2007. Sensory characteristics, composition, and nutraceutical content of juice from Vitis rotundifolia (Muscadine) cultivars. Am. J. Enol. Vitic. 58(2):268-273.

Impact Statements

Pierce‘s Disease threatens the profitability of California‘s grape and wine industries and limits expansion of this industry in the southeastern U.S. Currently, losses from PD exceed 100 million dollars. Florida researchers have developed and tested a novel and very effective antimicrobial peptide that can be engineered into grapevines to provide resistance against PD. The development of grape varieties resistant to PD will allow for the advancement of the industry in disease-susceptible areas.
Cost savings with vineyard mechanization are economically significant and range from roughly $260/acre (VSP) to nearly $600/acre (quad) while maintaining - or improving - fruit quality. Differences largely reflect differences in vine spacing. Piece rates for pruning operations range from 42 to 60% of the costs of traditional farming methods. The largest cost savings are realized from shoot thinning and fruit thinning operations; hand labor costs are only 8 to 15% of traditional methods.
While dollar cost savings are large, mechanization can stabilize grape yield through the concept of "balanced cropping." The final adjustment on crop size, made late in the growing season, to compensate for crop losses due to frost injury, poor growing conditions, or poor fruit set, has shown an average yield of 26% more fruit than by hand-balancing. The ability to produce consistent annual yields may have equal or greater economic impact than the labor-saving aspect of mechanization.
Enormous interest in new opportunities for muscadine value-added products continues to lead to new cultivation of muscadines, supported in many of the Southern states with various kinds of state financial support. Work continues to develop grower cooperative associations to support the production and marketing of muscadines and derivative products. The creation of a stable, long-term market in the U.S. and abroad will have a substantial economic impact for small Southern growers.
The number of active wineries has increased from 277 to over 400 in three years. A valuable contributor to this growth has been the research and Extension expertise and the efforts of Region scientists. The participants provide invaluable assistance to the wineries and the growers of the Region in improving the efficiency and quality of production, the quality of products and the development of new value-added products.

Date of Annual Report: 11/26/2008

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 09/30/2008 - 10/02/2008
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2007 - 09/01/2008

Participants

Ballington, Jim jim_ballington@ncsu.edu North Carolina State University;
Bates, Bob rpb@ufl.edu University of Florida;
Conner, Patrick pconner@uga.edu University of Georgia:
Cottrell, Tom tom.cottrell@uky.edu University of Kentucky;
Hellman, Ed ewhellman@ag.tamu.edu Texas A&M / Texas Tech University
Johnston, Tony johnston@mtsu.edu Middle Tennessee State University;
Krewer, Gerard gkrewer@uga.edu University of Georgia;
Lockwood, Dave dlockwood@utk.edu University of Tennessee;
Lu, Jiang jiang.lu@famu.edu Florida A&M University;
Phillips, Nate nphillip@mtsu.edu Middle Tennessee State University;
Sheikh, Menboob mehboob.shiekh@famu.edu Florida A&M University;
Smith, Barbara barbara.smith@ars.usda.gov USDA ARS Poplarville, Mississippi;
Stringer, Steve stephen.stringer@ars.usda.gov USDA ARS Poplarville, Mississippi;
Westover, Fritz fawestover@ag.tamu.edu Texas A&M University

Brief Summary of Minutes

The Southern Extension Research Activity 14 held its 2008 Annual Meeting September 30 -October 2 in Dahlonega, Georgia. States with representatives attending were Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas with state reports submitted by Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.

On the evening of September 30, the Group attended a reception featuring Georgia Wines at Montaluce Winery and Estates.

On the morning of October 1, the Group departed for a tour to Wolf Mountain Vineyards hosted by Brannon Boegner. The next stop was Blackstock Vineyards with a tour of the winery and vineyards given by David Harris, followed by a plated lunch at the vineyard. After lunch, Craig Kritzer was host for a tour of Frogtown Cellars which had just received the award for Georgia's top red wine from Georgia Trends magazine. The next stop was Three Sisters Vineyards where Doug and Sharon Paul provided a tour of the winery and vineyard with a free tasting. Three Sisters recently won the award for Georgia's best dessert wine. The day concluded with a Dutch treat dinner at Piazza Ristorante.

The business meeting convened at the Dahlonega Parks and Recreation Community Center at 8:30 a.m. on October 2. The meeting was called to order by the Co-Chairperson, Dave Lockwood (University of Tennessee). Dave offered greetings on behalf of Justin Morris, Extension Administrative Advisor to the Group, and Doug Archer, Administrative Advisor to the Group; both were regrettably unable to attend. He also announced that as most everyone was aware, renewal/extension of SERA 14 was approved for another five years with the suggestions that Appendix E be completed to include all participants, and that members of the Group should consider submitting a joint proposal to the Specialty Crops Research Initiative (SCRI).

The meeting proceeded to a discussion of state reports from those present. Hard copies of state reports were distributed and the attendees verbally reviewed the high points. It continues to be highly evident that the wine and grape industry in the Southern Region continues to grow. Following these discussions, the request of Justin Morris to consider pursuing cooperative SCRI grants was discussed. Members were instructed to contact either Justin or Dave if interested in pursuing any such grants.

Bill Morris was named as the recipient of the 2008 Nesbitt Award in honor of his extensive research and Extension work on Muscadine grapes in Tennessee and North Carolina. Bill had fallen ill the week before and was unable to attend the meeting. Dave Lockwood reported that the Nesbitt Award would be awarded to Bill at the Wines of the South Wine Competition, and requested that the members of the group refrain from congratulating Bill until after the award is presented.

The location of the next meeting was discussed at length and the possibility of meeting in conjunction with other already scheduled meetings (e.g. ASHS, SAAS) was considered. However, the consensus of the group was that late September/early October is the best time to meet, which eliminates the possibility of meeting in conjunction with many of these meetings. It was decided to contact Justin Morris and suggest the University of Arkansas as the meeting site for 2009. The date of the 2009 meeting would be determined by the host; however, due to the likelihood of a continued shortage of travel funds, it may turn out that the meeting may not be held.. It was further decided that the 2010 meeting will be hosted by Florida A&M University (Dr. Jiang Lu).

It was decided that the Chair of the group for 2009 (and coordinator of the next annual meeting) would be determined when the location is finalized. Tony Johnston (Middle Tennessee State University) was elected to serve as Secretary for the group for the 2009 meeting. There being no further business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned by Dave Lockwood at 11:50 pm.

The minutes of the Business Meeting and the state summary reports are being posted on our website http://sera-ieg-14.tamu.edu/

Accomplishments

Collaborative research and Extension activities among participants New variety releases and production systems; product development and product quality evaluation Research and Extension publications and other education and technical information materials Over 440 wineries in the region produce in excess of 5,200,000 gallons of wine annually. A conservative estimate of the yearly gross retail value of these wines exceeds one quarter of a billion dollars. Grape and wine production is an important alternative agricultural enterprise in the Region. The Southern states have a strong tradition of making a living from a well-tended, sustainable, small farm. In many states, much acreage formerly planted in tobacco is now being planted in grapes. SERA 14 participants help to sustain this agrarian tradition, with its strong work ethic and excellent agricultural land and climate, to enhance the potential for the continued economic well-being of these small farmers. The Institute of Food Science and Engineering of the University of Arkansas continued work supported by an NRI grant to help small and medium-sized farms and entrepreneurs enhance the viability of their operations through the establishment of vineyards, on-farm wineries, and production of value-added products from grapes and grape by-products. All of our activities are consistent with, and speak to fulfillment of, our five stated Objectives with the outputs among those listed for each of those objectives. The SERA 14 website http://sera-ieg-14.tamu.edu/ provides participants the ability to share information and more importantly provides a mechanism to widely disseminate research results and information to all stakeholders. Increased efforts to increase the visibility of the Groups activities will increase the value of those activities to our stakeholders. SERA 14 researchers are actively involved in the activities of the National Grape and Wine Initiative (NGWI). The NGWI is a nationwide coalition representing all segments of the grape industry including raisins, juice, table grapes and wine. NGWI membership includes grape growers, processors, wineries and representatives of academic institutions committed to improving the grape industry. For the past three years, a Viticulture and Enology Extension Leadership Conference, conducted under the auspices of the NGWI Extension and Outreach Education Committee, has been held. Originally intended to help identify national priorities and to pursue collaborative projects, participants in SERA14 attending the Conference have discovered a valuable opportunity for informal discussion and interchange with others around the country holding similar responsibilities. The increase in interest in grape production that exists in almost every state in the Region has led to an increase in the number of programs to assist growers. State advisement programs common throughout the Region include workshops, field days, conferences, production short courses, newsletters, electronic advisories, site visits. A three-year cooperative project of Missouri and Arkansas concerned with vineyard best management practices continued. Monthly tailgate meetings are held at the three "lighthouse" vineyards throughout the season. The meetings emphasized the management practices occurring at that time, especially pest management practices. The tailgate BMP program has been very well received by growers. A BMP workbook that will define what the best management practices are and how and when they are to be applied for maximum benefit will be developed this winter and reviewed by a committee composed of industry personnel. Extensive and intensive research and Extension materials concentrating on muscadines are provided throughout the Region. These educational efforts are being assisted by a growing number of agencies in the various states providing financial assistance to their nascent muscadine industries. Additional SERA 14 website links to existing and developing Muscadine resources have been posted. An example is the update of The Muscadine Experience: Adding Value to Enhance Profit. New material added to this booklet includes data comparing the cost of establishing a muscadine vineyard with the costs for other types of grapes and operating costs for vineyards of different grape species. The Gulf Coast Pierces Disease (PD) Research vineyard evaluates grape varieties with high potential for PD tolerance. Many PD tolerant hybrid grapes, such as Blanc Du Bois and Black Spanish, are the standard varieties in PD hot zones, such as the Texas Gulf Coast. The standard PD tolerant varieties will be tested along side of multiple potential PD tolerant varieties from breeding programs at the University of California, Davis and Florida A&M University. The Midwest Grape and Wine Conference, held in February at Osage Beach, Missouri, this year showcased the Dr. Justin R. Morris Vineyard Mechanization Symposium. Dr. Justin Morris was the keynote speaker at this symposium named in his honor. Research enologists, academics and grower representatives from Australia to Italy and New York to California gathered to share in the latest research and promote the future of mechanization.

Publications

Alves, E., B. Leite, R.C. Marucci, S.F. Pascholati, J.S. Lopes and P.C. Andersen. 2008. Retention sites for Xylella fastidiosa in four sharpshooter vectors (Hempitera: Cicadellidae) by scanning electron microscopy. Current Microbiology 56(5):531-538. Dhekney, S.A., Z.T. Li, M. Dutt and D.J. Gray. 2008. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of embryogenic cultures and regeneration of transgenic plants in Vitis rotundifolia Michx. (muscadine grape). Plant Cell Rep. 77:865-872. Dutt, M., Z.T. Li, S.A. Dhekney and D.J. Gray. 2007. Transgenic plants from shoot apical meristems of Vitis vinifera Thompson Seedless via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Plant Cell Rep. 26:2101-2110. Dutt, M., Z.T. Li, S.A. Dhekney and D.J. Gray, 2008. A co-transformation system to produce transgenic grapevines free of marker genes. Plant Science 175:423-430. Johnson, D. 2008. Overview of grape insect pests and pest management. In Program and Proceedings of the Midwest Grape and Wine Conference 23:17-30. Kamas, J., E. Hellman, P. Adams, T. Burns, F. Pontasch, and F. Westover. 2008. Starting a Vineyard in Texas A Guide for Prospective Growers. Texas Dept. Agriculture. Austin, Texas. Kim, T., W. L. Weng, J. Stojanovic, Y. Lu, Y. S. Jung and J. L. Silva . 2008. Antimicrobial Effect of Water-Soluble Muscadine Seed Extracts on Escherichia coli O157:H7. J Food Prot. 71:1465-1468. Li, Z.T., S.A. Dhekney, M. Dutt, and D.J. Gray. 2008. An Improved Protocol for Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation of Grapevine. Plant Cell Tiss. Organ Cult. 93:311-321. Main, G. and J.R. Morris. 2008. Mechanical and minimal pruning of Cynthiana grapes: Effects on yield components and juice and wine composition. In Proceedings of the Justin R. Morris Vineyard Mechanization Symposium, R.K. Striegler, A. Allen, E. Bergmeier, and J. Harris (Eds.). Pp. 97-111. 23rd Annual Midwest Grape and Wine Conference, Osage Beach, Missouri. February 2-3, 2008. Main, G.L. and J.R. Morris. 2008. Impact of pruning methods on yield components and juice and wine composition of Cynthiana grapes. Amer. J Enol. Vitic. 59:179-187. Meullenet, J-F., C. Lovely, R. Threlfall, J.R. Morris, and R.K. Striegler. 2008. An ideal point density plot method for determining an optimal sensory profile for Muscadine grape juice. Food Quality and Preference 19(2):210-219. Morris, J.R. 2007. Development and commercialization of a complete vineyard mechanization system. HortTechnology 17(4):411-420. Morris, J.R. 2008. Considerations for Starting a Winery. Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Report 983. J.R. Morris. 2008. Commercialization of the Morris-Oldridge Vineyard Mechinization System. In Proceedings of the Justin R. Morris Vineyard Mechanization Symposium, R.K. Striegler, A. Allen, E. Bergmeier, and J. Harris (Eds.). Pp. 9-25. 23rd Annual Midwest Grape and Wine Conference, Osage Beach, Missouri. February 2-3, 2008. Morris, J.R., G.L. Main, R.T. Threlfall, and R.K. Striegler. 2008. Initial impact of pruning and fruit thinning applications on growth and composition of Concord and Sunbelt grapes. In Proceedings of the Justin R. Morris Vineyard Mechanization Symposium. R. K. Striegler, A. Allen, E. Bergmeier, J. Harris (Eds). Pp. 112-129. 23rd Annual Midwest Grape and Wine Conference, Osage Beach, Missouri. February 2-3, 2008. Pszczolkowski, M., K. Hampton and D. Johnson. 2008. Sexual characteristics in a Midwestern population of Cotinis nitida and consequences for sexing the green June beetle. J. Econ. Entomol. (in press). Stafne, E.T. 2008. Indices for assessing site and winegrape cultivar risk for spring frost. Int. J. Fruit Sci. 7(4):121-132.

Impact Statements

The number of active wineries has increased from 277 to 448 in four years. A valuable contributor to this growth has been the research and Extension expertise and the efforts of Region scientists. The participants provide invaluable assistance to the wineries and the growers of the Region in improving the efficiency and quality of production, the quality of products and the development of new value-added products.
Pierces Disease threatens the profitability of the grape and wine industries and limits its expansion in the southeastern U.S. Currently, losses from PD exceed 100 million dollars. Florida researchers have developed and tested a novel and very effective antimicrobial peptide that can be engineered into grapevines to provide resistance against PD. Texas researchers continue to evaluate grape varieties with high potential for PD tolerance.
Cost savings with vineyard mechanization are economically significant and range from roughly $260/acre (VSP) to nearly $600/acre (quad) while maintaining or improving fruit quality. Differences largely reflect differences in vine spacing. Piece rates for pruning operations range from 42 to 60% of the costs of traditional farming methods. The largest cost savings are realized from shoot thinning and fruit thinning operations; hand labor costs are only 8 to 15% of traditional methods.
While dollar cost savings are large, mechanization can stabilize grape yield through the concept of balanced cropping. The final adjustment on crop size, made late in the growing season, to compensate for crop losses due to frost injury, poor growing conditions, or poor fruit set, and has shown an average yield of 26% more fruit than by hand-balancing. The ability to produce consistent annual yields may have equal or greater economic impact than the labor-saving aspect of mechanization.
Enormous interest in new opportunities for muscadine value-added products continues to lead to new cultivation of muscadines, supported in many of the Southern states with various kinds of state financial support. Work continues to develop grower cooperative associations to support the production and marketing of muscadines and derivative products. The creation of a stable, long-term market in the U.S. and abroad will have a substantial economic impact for small Southern growers.
The Institute of Food Science and Engineering of the University of Arkansas continued work supported by an NRI grant to help small and medium-sized farms and entrepreneurs enhance the viability of their operations through the establishment of vineyards, on-farm wineries, and production of value-added products from grapes and grape by-products.