Project Number: 5306-21220-003-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Mar 14, 2003
End Date: Mar 13, 2008

Objective:
Research will compare the effects of chemical, mechanical, and cultural weed control practices on weed population dynamics, while monitoring the effects of these practices on grapevine growth/yield and soil physical properties. Cover crop research will focus on soil chemical and biological properties. Specific objectives include the following: 1. Determine the effects of cover cropping on grapevine fine root distribution, 2. Compare the effects of different cover crop management practices on soil inorganic nitrogen dynamics, soil microbial nitrogen and carbon, soil organic matter, and soil respiration, and 3. Characterize the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community on grapevine roots and cover crop roots. 4. Determine long-term effects of deficit irrigation on grapevine yield, growth, and nutrition. 5. Evaluate use of vineyard cover crops for decreased soil erosion, increased ground water retention, and control of excessive grapevine vigor on fertile soil. 6. Examine effects of deficit irrigation on susceptibility to grapevines pathogens and pests. 7. Examine effects of irrigation practices on the grapevine rhizosphere/rhizoplane microbial communities and the resultant impact on plant health.

Approach:
Conduct studies on movement, virulence, and population structure of fungal and bacterial grapevine pathogens to establish a thorough understanding of the epidemiology of grapevine diseases,such as Pierce's Disease and Armillaria Root Disease. Evaluate the effects of vineyard floor management practices (weed control and cover crop management) on populations of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and other beneficial soil microbes. Evaluate the effects of chemical and non-chemical weed management techniques on vineyard weed populations, while monitoring grapevine growth and yield and soil physical characteristics. Formerly 5306-21220-002-00D (2/03). FY03 Program Increase $223,537. Add 1 SY. FY04 Program Increase $241,566. Add 1 SY.

Project Team

Baumgartner, Kendra

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003