- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
Besides the drought, red blotch disease is the most serious concern confronting California grape growers, reported Lynn Ally in Wine Spectator.
In 2008, UC Cooperative Extension specialist Jim Wolpert and staff research associate Mike Anderson identified red blotch as a disease caused by a distinct virus. Since then, it has been found in numerous California regions, as well as 11 other states, including all major U.S wine states.
As suggested by its name, the disease turns grape leaves a blotchy red color. The infected grapevines may produce clusters with reduced...
- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
A quest to find the best zinfandel clones began in the early 1990s, wrote Ann Hanami of the Napa Valley Wine Examiner. UC Cooperative Extension viticulture specialist James Wolpert was getting feedback from winemakers about the poor quality of the four available commercial zinfandel clones from the Central Valley, whose main characteristics were high-yield, large berries and poor varietal character.
Wolpert went on a California “safari” to find old-vine selections that had evolved uniquely over time on their own home turf. With support of Association of Zinfandel Advocates...
- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
San Francisco Chronicle wine columnist Jon Bonné wrote about the prospects for another variety of white wine to rise in popularity, perhaps to the level of such well known wines as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Reisling. In the article, Bonné referenced a new trial at UC Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center, where 55 varieties are under study, from Trebbiano to Petit Manseng. The study was designed to determine what might best match the San Joaquin Valley's hot climes. Project leader UC Cooperative Extension viticulture specialist...
- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
Gov. Brown's newly appointed secretary of agriculture, Karen Ross, brings numerous University of California connections to her new office.
An article published yesterday in California Farmer magazine says Ross is a member of:
- The Center for Cooperatives at UC Davis
- The Dean's Advisory Committee for the College of Agriculture and Environmental Science at UC Davis
- The Program Advisory...
