Rootstock Effects on Mature Pinot Noir Growth and Productivity Under Cool Climate, Dry-farmed Conditions

Vine growth, yield, and fruit composition of Pinot noir grafted to 19 rootstocks and own-rooted vines were quantified during 2021. The vineyard was 24-years-old, and we hypothesized cumulative impacts of the rootstock on vine growth would be distinguished by rootstock. Specifically, we hypothesized that Riparia Gloire and other vigor-reducing rootstocks such as 101-14, 3309C, and 420A would have reduced canopy growth compared to other rootstocks not commonly planted in Oregon due to high vigor potential, such as 110R, 140R, 1103P, and 161- 49. Results show that the majority of rootstocks performed similarly for vine canopy growth and fruit production. However, there were some key differences noted. Dormant pruning weights in early 2021 indicate that Riparia Gloire, 44-53, and 3309C had the lowest pruning weights, indicating low vigor vines, and 161-49 and 1616 had the highest pruning weights, indicating high vigor vines. These differences carried into spring with differences in shoot growth from early may through bloom, with 3309C and Riparia Gloire having the least amount of shoot growth leading up to bloom, and 1616, 5BB, 140R, 5BB, 5CTE, and 420A having the most growth. There were some differences in fruitfulness, with SO4 having the greatest fruitfulness of 1.7 inflorescences/shoot while Riparia Gloire and own-rooted had only 1.4 inflorescences/shoot. There were yield differences by harvest, with 420A having higher yields than Riparia Gloire, 1616, and own-rooted. The impact on yield is mostly explained by differences in cluster weight. Pinot noir grafted to 1616, had the smallest clusters that were sparse due to poor set. This could be a result of high vigor of these vines early in the season. Berry ripeness did not differ for most rootstocks. However, Schwarzmann and Böerner had higher total soluble solids than 125AA. Schwarzmann also had the highest pH and lowest TA. The remaining rootstocks were all within commercially acceptable ripeness (TSS = 23.6, pH 3.2, and TA=8.6 g/L). We anticipated that variations in canopy size created by rootstock vigor may impact berry phenolics through vine stress and/or differences in canopy microclimate. However, there were no rootstock differences in total anthocyanin, phenolic, or tannin content. Similarly, there were no differences in berry phenolic concentrations in 2020. This second year of data analysis suggests that rootstock has the greatest impact on vegetative growth and yield, thereby causing some differences in vine balance. There is less impact on Pinot noir phenology advancement, fruit ripeness, or berry phenolic concentration at harvest.

 

Determining the Impacts of Dormant Pruning Methods and Nitrogen Fertilization on Pinot Noir Bud Fruitfulness and Yield

This research evaluated the impacts that dormant pruning and nitrogen (N) fertilization have on bud fruitfulness and yield of Pinot noir through two separate experiments over two growing seasons and three dormant periods. The research was conducted to better understand yield limitations and potentially improve yield uniformity across years, as this is an issue for producers in the cool climate of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Oregon Pinot noir producers use primarily cane rather than spur pruning, as they believe Pinot noir does not have fruitful basal buds and will result in low yields. With the increasing need for mechanization, growers are interested in spur pruning. A ten-year-old vineyard was used for an experiment comparing cane- and spur-pruned vines for dormant bud fruitfulness, fruitfulness in spring, canopy growth, yield, fruit ripeness at harvest, and dormant pruning weights from Feb 2017 to Feb 2019. Results show that basal buds of Pinot noir are fruitful and that cane and spur-pruned vines had similar vine growth, pruning weights, yield, and fruit composition at harvest. However, spur-pruned vines had ~20 g smaller clusters, but there were no differences in berry size. Results of this study show that spur pruning Pinot noir is possible without yield loss or differences in fruit ripeness at harvest.

A separate experiment was conducted to evaluate N fertilization compared to control (no fertilization) in two vineyard blocks in 2017 and 2018. One block (Block 1) was used to evaluate legacy effects of N-fertilization applied two years prior to the data collection year compared to control vines that were not fertilized during that time. A second vineyard block (Block 2) was evaluated for concurrent effects of N-fertilization from Jan 2018 to Feb 2019 on a lower N status block that had been treated with N fertilization (or control) in the 2017 and 2018 crop years. The evaluation of the legacy block (Block 1) found greater numbers of floral primordia and greater primordia size in canes of higher vigor, regardless of N treatment after two years of N supplementation. However, there were no clear differences in vine growth or yield as a result of the prior years of N treatment. The concurrent analysis of N-fertilization on yield potential (Block 2) showed greater floral primordia numbers and size in buds of the N treatment compared to the control. There were also increases in fruitfulness in spring and larger inflorescence size (more flowers per inflorescence) in the N treatment. Véraison leaf blade N correlated with fruitfulness and inflorescence primordia size in Block 2. Yield may have increased in the block with concurrent N application; however, there were no differences in yield by harvest due to commercial thinning practices. These results suggest that modest N-fertilization of vineyards with moderate-low N status may improve yield potential without causing excessive vine growth.

Understanding the Yield-Quality relationship in Cool Climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

The long-term crop load study continued during 2018 for the seventh season of the project. Ten companies conducted research in 12 vineyards during 2018, including 11 Pinot noir vineyards and one Chardonnay vineyard. The report focuses on the results of the Pinot noir sites. The Pinot noir yields in 2018 were high, similar to 2015 and 2017, all high-yielding years for western Oregon. Average yield across all crop thinning treatments and sites was 1.16 lb/ft, which is higher than the 7-year mean of 1.02 lb/ft. The 2018 season was warm and dry and led to lower pruning weights and a higher yield to pruning weight ratio than in prior years of the study. Despite the higher yields and higher crop load, the 2018 season had fewer sites showing differences in fruit composition at harvest than in the six years prior with only 55% of sites having some crop level effect on fruit composition at harvest. The most common differences by crop level were higher total soluble solids and total anthocyanin concentration with lower crop level; however, the differences were not always consistent across the years or vineyards. Wine sensory results of past vintages indicate no consistent differences in sensory perception by crop level. However, in-house evaluations of wines by collaborators indicate that there are differences but it is difficult to identify a clear preference by crop level. Industry collaborators shared their observations about the study through interviews, reporting that higher crop levels have not affected vine health, and they report that fruit and wine quality is not as different as they expected it to be. Collaborators are starting to evaluate their target yield each year, rather than using the same target yield every year. Many reported that the study gave them confidence in increasing crop levels by 10-25% and helped them evaluate their farming practices with more data collection and interpretation. They want to encourage others in industry to learn from their experiences from this study and to think “smarter” about yield management.

Determining the Impacts of Dormant Pruning Methods and Nitrogen Fertilization on Pinot Noir Bud Fruitfulness and Yield

This project is designed to provide scientifically tested information to growers about the impacts of two commercial management practices that can influence vineyard productivity: dormant pruning and nitrogen (N) fertilization. The Oregon industry uses primarily cane pruning for Pinot Noir, as they believe spur pruning will result in low yields (due to low bud fruitfulness) and reduce wine quality. Objective 1 of this study tests this question in a commercial vineyard, and we have been able to show with year 1 data that spur-pruned vines have fruitful basal buds, and that fruit composition and vine growth are equitable to that of cane-pruned vines. Although cluster size is smaller in spur-pruned vines, it was not enough to cause differences in whole vine yield. Results from our N-fertilization trial show little effect on bud and actual fruitfulness and yield after two seasons. Both experiments highlight the impact of vine vigor on bud fruitfulness, with greater fruitfulness observed with higher cane weights in the nitrogen trial and higher internode diameters in both pruning and fertilization trials. Additional years of this research will help determine the impacts of these management methods on yield potential over different seasons and vineyards to help growers adopt new pruning practices and/or enhance their vineyard N-management.

A Researcher-Industry Partnership to Understand the Yield-Quality Relationship in Cool Climate Pinot noir and Chardonnay Production

The long-term crop load study continued during 2017, the project’s sixth season. Eleven companies conducted the research on-site in 12 vineyards during 2017. Yields were the second highest in the six years of the study, second only to 2015. Average yield across all crop thinning treatments and sites was 1.13 lb/ft, which is higher than the 6-year mean of 0.93 lb/ft. Seasonal heat unit accumulation for 2017 was the lowest since 2012, and harvest was later than in recent years. However, fruit had sufficient ripening with total soluble solids (TSS) ranging from 21.0 – 25.0 °Brix. Analysis of harvest data across all sites in 2017 shows that fruit composition was affected by vineyard site and crop level. Treatment effects were tested within each vineyard site, and results show that only half of the sites (50%) had some treatment effect on fruit composition; however, the effects varied by site. There was no single fruit parameter that was affected by crop level at all sites, and the most common differences found by treatment were for TSS and pH in 2017. However, only 25% of vineyard sites had a difference in TSS with cluster thinning. Multiple regression analysis of data across the first five years (2012-2016) shows that crop load (yield: pruning weight, Y:PW) was related to TSS more than yield alone. Yield, however, was related to anthocyanin, pH and TA, with higher yields predicting lower pH, TA, anthocyanin, and tannin but higher TA. Fruit YAN was best predicted by pruning weights and Y:PW, not yield. Expert evaluation of wines from the 2012-2014 vintages show no yield effect on wine sensory perception, as wines did not group by yield level for descriptive analyses. According to industry collaborators surveyed, 43% had sufficient confidence in the study’s findings that they adopted higher yield targets in their vineyards beyond the research project, citing the ability to increase yield without compromising quality, and in recent warm years higher yields were preferred by winemakers.

Determine The Impact of Cluster Thinning and Cluster Zone Leaf Removal on the Hormone Content of Pinot Noir Grape Berry

During the past six months we have succeeded to reproduce the flower-to-berry monitoring procedure developed in our lab with similar outcomes. The justification of this procedure is to mitigate the extreme variability of flowering events in a cluster that is assumed to explain the berry variability. Using this procedure, we were able to distinguish “early” berries (emerging from early flowering events) from “late” berries (emerging from late flowering events). Previous observations in our group suggested that flowering time was not the major contributing factor of the ripeness variability at mid- véraison stage (50%of berries are green and 50%are colored) . This was confirmed again this year via the monitoring of several phenological parameters on “early” and “late” berries. We also confirmed that the seed weight relative to seed weight better explained the ripeness of individual berries at mid-véraison stage regardless of whether berries were categorized in the early or late berry groups. Interestingly, by monitoring berry size and berry weight, we also found that “early” and “late” berries rapidly overlapped their growing curves during the early stages of the growing season (week 3 to week 6 after bloom), which suggests a developmental mechanism to mitigate developmental variability among berries of a cluster.

On the other hand, ripeness variability at véraison was not associated with berries being “early” or “late” as both berry groups had a wide range of ripeness level at mid-véraison stage (sugar and pigment content). We also validated the effects of two viticulture practices (cluster thinned and fruit-zone leaf removal) on sugar and pigment contents regardless of whether berries were “early” or “late”. In vines with clusters thinned at 0.5/shoot, both accumulation of sugar and pigment contents were significantly higher in berries during the late stages of the ripening. For the fruit-zone leaf removed, only pigment content was significantly increased in sun-exposed clusters during weeks 12-15. The fine screening we performed to mitigate the developmental variability of berries has been successfully conducted and we are in the second phase of the project this year, which is the quantification of hormone and metabolite in control, cluster thinned, and fruit-zone leaf removed grapevines.

Comparison of Crop Load Management Systems and Differential Regulated Deficit Irrigation (RDI) on Vegetative Compensation, Whole-Canopy Photosynthesis, and Vine Performance in Procumbent Vitis vinifera L. in a Warm Climate

A traditionally managed head-trained, cane-pruned Merlot/Freedom vineyard planted on a California sprawl trellis was converted either to a bi-lateral cordon spur pruned (HP) or single high-wire bi-lateral cordon mechanically pruned (SHMP) crop load management system. Two irrigation treatments were applied. Vineyard was irrigated as follows A control treatment of sustained deficit irrigation (SDI) at 0.8 of estimated ETc was applied from anthesis until harvest (EL Stage 38) with a mid-day leaf water potential (¥[1]) threshold of -1.2 MPa. A regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) treatment was applied at 0.8 ETc from anthesis to fruit set (EL Stage 28) with a ¥[1]  threshold of -1.2 MPa, 0.5 ETc from fruit set to veraison (EL stage 35) with a ¥[1]  threshold of -1.4 MPa and at 0.8 ETc from veraison until harvest with a ¥[1]  at -1.2 MPa. Irrigation treatments were not initiated until ¥l reached -1.0MPa for vines in the 0.8 Etc treatments. It took one season to convert and establish canopies that can be cropped. In 2014 the  vineyard was cropped. The SHMP treatment irrigated with the SDI irrigation method generated the largest canopy earlier and was the most efficient user of applied water to fix carbohydrates. Furthermore, this canopy also yielded the greatest with acceptable canopy architecture and microclimate variables for the warm climate. There were few statistically significant effects of crop load management treatments or irrigation methods applied on seed and skin flavonoids. The total berry skin anthocyanins were most affected by the HP and SDI treatments in the initial year of data collection. The preliminary results suggest that it would take one full growing season to convert traditional California sprawl canopies to a SHMP trellis. The resultant canopy is a more efficient user of applied water amounts to fix carbon with greater yields with similar berry skin phenolics. The study is providing important science-based information for California wine[i] grape growers on how best to manage traditional California sprawl canopies to a SHMP trellis. The resultant canopy is a more efficient user of applied water amounts to fix carbon with greater yields with similar berry skin phenolics. The study is providing important science-based information for California wine grape growers on how best to manage traditional vineyards in times declining resources such as labor and water.

Defining Crop Load Metrics for Quality Pinot Noir Production in Oregon

A three year study began in 2013 to determine the impact of varying crop levels on vine growth and balance. The project involves two components: 1) a large grower collaborator crop load study and 2) a study that monitors vine growth, nutrition and physiology measures within four sites from the larger study. A total of 13 vineyard and winery collaborators have participated in the research and completed two full growing seasons of data collection and wine production for the study in 2013 and 2014. The 2013 season results from the large grower collaborative study indicates few differences in vine size (pruning weight), vine nutrient status, or fruit composition at harvest. Data from for the 2014 season are still being gathered from collaborators and will be analyzed statistically in spring/summer 2015. Data obtained from the four detail sites during 2013 and 2014 show no difference in vine nutrition at bloom or véraison, vine photoassimilation rates, nor differences in vine growth and leaf area when comparing full crop (non-thinned vines) with those cluster-thinned to one cluster/shoot. Despite very high yields in 2014, cluster thinning did not drastically change ripeness parameters measured. The differences in vine productivity among sites within the two projects are valuable in understanding how crop load may be influencing fruit composition and quality in vineyards with different yield capacity. The data obtained from the first two years of this research suggests that the Pinot noir vines in the Willamette Valley of Oregon may reach vine balance on their own and do not require cluster thinning to adjust for fruit ripeness or to maintain vine growth. Further seasons of research are required to better understand the role of vine balance.

Defining Crop Load Metrics for Quality Pinot Noir Production in Oregon

A three year study began in 2013 to determine the impact of varying crop levels on vine growth and vine balance. The project involves two components: 1) development of a large grower collaborator crop load study and 2) monitoring of vine growth, nutrition and physiology measures within four sites from the larger study. During 2013, the project included a total of 13 vineyard and winery businesses from across six AVAs in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Collaborators successfully completed their first season of data collection as of this reporting, and results are being compiled and analyzed in winter 2014. The additional data from the four sites within the study are being analyzed in winter 2014, but preliminary data that shows no difference in vine photosynethetic assimilation or vine nutrition at bloom or véraison when comparing full crop (non-thinned vines) with those thinned to one cluster/shoot.

Improving Yield and Quality of Sauvignon Blanc

Clonal Trial: During the 2010 growing season, a trial containing 12 clones of Sauvignon blanc were grown and harvested. The vineyard is farmed organically, drip irrigated and planted in a Russian River loam soil in Hopland, Mendocino County, California. Clones include: UC FPS# 1, 6, 7, 14, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26, and 27. The experimental design is a ANOVA Randomized Complete Block with 8 replications of 5 vine vines planted in 4 long east ?west rows. Replications are clearly marked with plastic cattle ear tags at the beginning and end of the plot containing the replication number and clone for easy identification. This is the fifth bearing year of the vineyard, and the vines were trained with two canes containing an average of 12 buds per cane on a vertical shoot positioned trellis (VSP). Vines were managed during the growing season to the cooperating grower?s commercial standards including trunk and cordon suckering and removal of sterile shoots, positioning shoots upright inside of fruiting wires, and a standard powdery mildew program utilizing stylet oil and wettable sulfur pre-bloom, and sulfur dust post bloom. No insecticides or miticides were applied. Nearly all vines are bearing at commercial levels, and we were able to sufficiently harvest enough fruit to make valid mean comparisons. This growing season was relatively cool and overcast. Consequently, the growing season was delayed by almost two weeks. Bud break occurred between April 1st and April 7th. Flowering occurred between June 15th to June 18th. Veraison was also late, between August 4th to August 12th. Harvest occurred on October 8th, and was scheduled to coincide with other Sauvignon blanc being crushed by the cooperator. In general, phenology was not significantly different between all of the clones. The exception is that veraison and ripeness were accelerated for UC FPS # 14 which generally has lighter crop loads ( Target fruit maturity was 22.5 to 23.5 %brix.) Based on our data, these observations were concluded: ? The vines are becoming mature and are probably yielding within their commercial potential. Vine yield have a statistically significantly different range, from 3.7 kg to 9.9 kg, which would correspond from 3.2 to 8.5 tons per acre. Cluster counts are also significantly variable, from 31 to 65 clusters per vine. ? There are differences in cluster weights ranging from approximately 81g to 133 g. There is considerable variability in the clones in cluster size, looseness and yield potential. This allows growers some choice if they are in need of lighter crop loads to insure that fruit will ripen under cooler conditions. ? Fruit ripeness varied from around 21 %brix to 24 %brix. It appears that ripeness was affected by crop load. Clones that were carrying heavier crops were less ripe at harvest. ? The pH was higher than is typical for the cultivar in our region (ranging from around 3.5 to 3.7) and titratable acidity was moderate (ranging from .5 to .7 grams per 100 ml). Often fruit from our area has more acidity, but because of the large crop and the long hang time, acidity was lower than harvests that mature early and are lighter in size. ? UC FPS #1 is still an excellent clone, and yields consistently well from one season to the next. Trellis Trial: The trellis trial is in adjacent row to the variety trial. The experimental design is a randomized complete block, with 4 reps of 10 vines for each treatment. The trellis types were selected with the ability to be mechanically harvested. The following trellis types are being used: 1. Vertical Shoot Positioned Trellis (VSP), bilateral cordon, highway post, fruiting wire at 36 inches. 2. VSP, 4 canes, with 2 pairs stacked on fruiting wires at 36 inches and 44 inches. 3. VSP, bilateral cordon, fruiting wire at 36 inches, 12 inch cross arm at 48 inches, and 16 inch cross arm at 60 inches to create more pendant growth to help divigorate the vines (a modified California sprawl system). 4. VSP, modified cane pruning (continuous fruit curtain), cordon wire at 36 inches, 4 short canes are tied to fruit wire at 44 inches. 5. VSP, 4 canes tied to two parallel fruiting wires at 36 inches, two cross arms, one at 48 inches, and one at 66 inches. In 2009, we balance pruned the vines, meaning that we left 3 bud spurs, and tried to have an average of 40 buds per vine. Regardless, it is clear that the cane pruning systems are able to set larger crops than spur pruning systems.