Field scale management of late season cluster rots to increase crop quality of Michigan wine grapes
- Research Date
- 2022
- Authors
- Timothy Miles
- Priorities
- Crop Quality
- Crop Categories
- Grapes
- Beverage Categories
- Wine
Michigan vineyards are subject to a wide range of pests. Many of these can be effectively controlled each year through cultural and chemical methods, however our Michigan climate is highly conducive to cluster rots that can ruin an otherwise excellent crop. Mitigating losses in yield due to cluster rots, such as gray mold and sour rot, is always a problem in a cool and humid environment. Sour rot in particular is a significant challenge for growers to manage because it is a disease complex where bacteria, yeasts, filamentous fungi, and insects are involved. These infections can compromise quality-related metabolites, such as organic acids, phenolics, and volatiles which impacts the quality and flavor of wine. Our research aims to minimize the risk of these diseases by improving understanding of the insect-disease interactions and developing improved management strategies.