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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Indiana winemakers started harvesting in late August and will continue until early October. Despite a late frost early in the growing season, high wine grape yields are expected statewide.
Miranda Purcell, Purdue Wine Extension Specialist and member of the Purdue Wine Grape Team, explained that rapid extreme temperatures such as late or early seasonal frosts are the biggest challenge for Indiana winemakers.
“The cold snap we had the week before Mother’s Day killed the green tissues of some of the early maturing varietals, especially in the upstate. We have seen damage to the primary buds which is why you can see additional growth on the vines. Fortunately, we still expect high returns, ”said Purcell.
Many growers have reported sightings of the winged form of grapevine phylloxera, which produces galls on the leaves or wart-like structures where the female insect lays its eggs. Phylloxera is also known to have adverse effects on the roots of the vine. However, most growers in Indiana grow American varieties or Franco-American hybrids that are tolerant of the root gall form of the insect.
At the start of the season, Purcell warned growers of the potential for grape damage from the Brood X cicada. Overall, Brood X did not have a negative impact on this year’s crop.
“The biggest news for the 2021 growing season is the detection of the spotted lantern fly in Indiana in late July. This invasive insect has almost devastated the entire Pennsylvania wine grape industry, ”Purcell said. “The spotted lantern lays eggs on anything it can, which makes it difficult to control. We don’t expect to see widespread effects in Indiana for two to three years, but our team and others at Purdue are monitoring the situation for winegrowers across the state.
Indiana’s wine grape industry produces over a million gallons of wine each year with 116 wineries and tasting rooms statewide. The Purdue Wine Grape team assists commercial and amateur winegrowers and winemakers in Indiana.
Writer: Abby Leeds, 765-494-7817, [email protected]
Source: Miranda Purcell, [email protected]
Agricultural communications: 765-494-8415;
Maureen Manier, Head of Department, [email protected]
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