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July 2015 WINES&VINES 79 WINE EAST GRAPEGROWING to the industry. The ongoing goal of this work is to document fruit quality and the degree of disease tolerance. Viticulturally, the results have been variable (see "Native and Hybrid Varieties" for a list and comments); though several of the more recently planted varieties (Petite Pearl and especially NY 81, Cayuga White x Riesling) hold some promise. Interestingly, the hybrids have been a grape berry moth magnet. This characteristic—the elevated susceptibility of hybrids to grape berry moth in a mixed planting—has been verified by grape entomologists. Though there are a few small-scale hybrid plantings in the indus- try, and some hybrids have proven dependable, growers still view hybrids as a curiosity. This is due to uncertainty about financial feasibility as well as market acceptance. Industry impacts In a 2010 survey (A. Wise, unpublished data), 90% of growers indicated that variety and clonal trial results have influenced their plant material decisions. However, the benefits ex- tend beyond these trial results. Over the years, the vineyard has been a microcosm of industry patterns and processes. For example, leafroll and red blotch virus have been diagnosed in both certified and non-certified material. After virtually no crown gall for 20 years, 50% of 2-year-old aromatic whites currently have symptoms. Additionally, in the early years, deer control was unnecessary as populations were in check. Yet in response to increased deer populations, an 8-foot steel mesh fence now encompasses the entire research farm facilities. An airblast sprayer was also replaced with a Lipco recycling sprayer to reduce drift, focus deposition and economize on sprays. Over the row 0.75-inch mesh bird netting has given way to more efficient fine mesh (4 x 5 mm) side netting. These ongoing equipment modifica- tions in response to changing growing condi- tions are challenges every vineyard must face. Grape trials also support sustainable agricul- tural practices. Nitrogen fertilization started with ammonium nitrate, progressed to calcium nitrate and now is largely accomplished with peanut meal and compost. In place of pre- and post- emergent herbicides, the area under the trellis is now mowed three to five times per season. While not a formal member, our management prac- tices conform to the guidelines set forth by the newly minted Long Island Sustainable Wine- growing program, which supports sustainable viticulture practices and local economies. Variety and clonal evaluation play a crucial role in the evolution of fine wine industries. This is because it is imperative to explore new possibilities to meet the demands and mar- ket changes as the Long Island wine industry continues to grow. The continuing effort to evaluate clones and varieties of interest, in partnership with growers and winemakers, has helped growers and wineries make informed decisions about what to plant, resulting in higher quality finished wines. "Growing the range of varieties that Alice (Wise) has done over the years has given grow- ers the confidence to try new things," said Larry Perrine, CEO of Channing Daughter Vineyards in Bridgehampton, N.Y. "And don't forget that trying out varieties that were found unsuitable is equally important, because it helped growers avoid making mistakes." Given that it costs as much as $20,000 per acre to establish a vineyard, planting unsuit- able varieties can be a costly mistake. Informa- tion gleaned from 22 years of variety trials on Long Island has played a key role in Long Is- land's rise to prominence as a wine region, with a reputation for exceptional quality and unique wines. WE Alice Wise is a senior viticulture research and extension associate with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, N.Y. Her program is based at the Long Island Horticultural Research and Extension Center in River- head, N.Y. She has worked with the Long Island grape industry since 1992. This article originally appeared in Appellation Cor- nell (Issue 21, May 2015). Natural Corks Champagne Corks Twinline Corks Bartops VISION Synthetic Corks G-Cap® Screw Caps Sales Representatives: Chris & Liz Stamp info@lakewoodcork.com lakewoodcork.com 4024 State Route 14 Watkins Glen, NY 14891 607-535-9252 607-535-6656 Fax PIONEER INNOVATOR PARTNER