From the Vitis Phylogenomics: Hybridization Intensities from a SNP Array Outperform Genotype Calls:
"American subgenus Vitis species in which
V. palmata occupies the basal position;
2a) V. aestivalis+V. labrusca group together with V. cinerea+V. vulpina; and
2b) V. champinii+V. mustangensis form a clade
that is sister to a clade of (V. monticola (V. girdiana (V. rupestris (V. riparia+V. acerifolia)))).
This
parallels the findings in 'A phylogenetic analysis of the grape genus...' posted here last September. In that paper, monticola was not
in the same clade as girdiana, rupestris, riparia and acerifolia.
Instead, monticola pre-dated the division between lines leading to
girdiana and vinifera clades. This suggests an interesting parallel and
genetic proximity between vinifera and rupestris that I had not noticed
earlier.
I have to admit, the term 'hybridization intensity' puzzled me. I gather it has something to do
with a process of seeing how many short DNA fragments from a reference genome stick to the target DNA sample. Maybe someone will straighten me out on this.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
New York Senator calls for Vineyard aid
Senator Schumer has written a letter to the USDA recommending grape growers in New York receive aid under the provisions of the recently passed Farm Bill. The specific program is called the 'Tree Assistance Program'. The press release focuses on this year's 'Poloar Vortex'.
It is likely that most of the damage is to European grapes planted in unsuitable locations. Some would say all of New York state is unsuitable, but even Canada is working hard to develop a European based vineyard industry. Here is a Canadian site with critical temperature measurements for Ontario (Brock University). In short, 90% losses are probable.
One would expect North American crosses to be doing much better than the European varieties, but there isn't any mention of breeding for cold hardiness mentioned, nor the cold-hardiness and superior wine quality of recent North American bred vines such as Marquette or Frontenac Blanc.
It is likely that most of the damage is to European grapes planted in unsuitable locations. Some would say all of New York state is unsuitable, but even Canada is working hard to develop a European based vineyard industry. Here is a Canadian site with critical temperature measurements for Ontario (Brock University). In short, 90% losses are probable.
One would expect North American crosses to be doing much better than the European varieties, but there isn't any mention of breeding for cold hardiness mentioned, nor the cold-hardiness and superior wine quality of recent North American bred vines such as Marquette or Frontenac Blanc.
Friday, February 7, 2014
Some frost comments I came across, today
Posted at Casa de Cristobal (near Sunset,100 miles north of Glen Rose)
"September 13, 2011.
Yep, Mother nature is definitly upset about something these past few years. I haven't harvested a reportable crop in 3 years now. The past 3 years have started with with early bud break followed by late freezes knocking out primary buds. This year was made worse with the drought, when the critters came in and cleaned out any crop I might have had in early August..."
On the same subject, here are some tweets from Robert Wonacott, Eperon Vineyard. Note the dates:
Robert Wonacott @Eperonvineyard 4:36 PM - 4 May 2013
Well it looks like we dodged last nights frost opportunity. We'll know total issue in 10-14 days. Thank goodness were so far north.
Robert Wonacott @Eperonvineyard May 26
Out and about in the vineyard, time to access freeze issues from spring. Looking pretty good so far.
Robert Wonacott @Eperonvineyard Jun 16
Vineyard is almost at 100% fruit set. To bad the frosts took such a heavy toll.
"September 13, 2011.
Yep, Mother nature is definitly upset about something these past few years. I haven't harvested a reportable crop in 3 years now. The past 3 years have started with with early bud break followed by late freezes knocking out primary buds. This year was made worse with the drought, when the critters came in and cleaned out any crop I might have had in early August..."
On the same subject, here are some tweets from Robert Wonacott, Eperon Vineyard. Note the dates:
Robert Wonacott @Eperonvineyard 4:36 PM - 4 May 2013
Well it looks like we dodged last nights frost opportunity. We'll know total issue in 10-14 days. Thank goodness were so far north.
Robert Wonacott @Eperonvineyard May 26
Out and about in the vineyard, time to access freeze issues from spring. Looking pretty good so far.
Robert Wonacott @Eperonvineyard Jun 16
Vineyard is almost at 100% fruit set. To bad the frosts took such a heavy toll.
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