Treefrog

Here is a benefit of sticking with biofungicide and BT for sprays:  Treefrogs in the vineyard.

Bridlegate crosses: varied fungal resistance

Vine #3 looks like the winner.  All vines were treated the same way.  All we used for fungicide was Serenade. 

Vine #1: Row 3 'East'

 Vine #2: Row 3 'West'

 Vine #3: Row 6 'East'

 Vine #4: Row 6 'Middle'

 Vine #5: Row 6 'West'

Some successful cleft grafts

I made about 24 grafts this year in two sets of twelve.  Only 3 survived. I did the first set around mid April, and the second three weeks later.  They are about 2 months old

The above diagram of a cleft graft is the technique I used.  I wrapped the graft in parafilm, then duct tape.  After a month of rain, the duct tape was coming off and I lost a number of grafts when the wood dried out.  To hold the duct tape in place,  I wrapped yellow marker tape around the grafts.   At the time, I had 9 grafts showing some life, only 3 survived the heat of June..

Below are some photos of the successful grafts:

1. Tower Road cinerea on Red River Cinerea (5 week old graft)

 

2. Tanat on doaniana.  2 month old graft. Some of fungal problems from early May rains.

Red Symphony on doaniana.  2 month old graft.