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NEWS OF GRAPES AND WINES IN EASTERN NORTH AMERICA developed at the University of California, Davis, by Dr. Andy Walker to see if Alabama can produce traditional vinifera table wines. In Alabama, growers have been depen- dent on Muscadines (Vitis rotundifolia, such as Scuppernong), other native grapes and hybrids. Unfortunately, vinifera vines have not developed a defense mechanism against Pierce's disease, and attempts to grow vinifera in the Deep South have not been successful. Winegrapes Face Trials in Alabama A uburn, Ala.—A researcher at Auburn University, Dr. Elina Coneva, has plant- ed Pierce's disease-resistant grapevines resistant to PD and the wines made from those grapes are almost always sweet. Coneva planted Caused by a bacterium, Xylella fastidiosa, Pierce's disease clogs the xylem of many grapevines and other plants, starving them for water and killing them in a few years. Local native grapes like the muscadines are Walker's vines that are 87.5% Vitis vinifera and 12.5% Vitis arizonica, a native of the south- west and Mexico that is resistant to PD. Three types of grapes were planted: One is 50% Syrah and two are 50% Chardonnay, although all three will produce red winegrapes. The wines from these vines reportedly taste like vinifera. Walker reported that he made wines last year from the next generation that is 94% vinifera and will be evaluating them soon. He noted that although many native vines Coneva HEADLINES p44 FEATURES p46 Grafted Grapevine Nursery, LLC Your Source for Quality Since 1957 Hybrid, Vinifera, Native and New Varieties. Grafted & Own rooted Vines. Custom grafting orders welcome. Stop by and see us at… Wineries Unlimited: Richmond, Virginia March 30th & 31st 2011 (Booth#214) Mention this ad … via phone/internet and receive 5% off your 2011-2012 purchases. Expires 4/1/2011 Phn:(315)-462-3288 Fax:(315)462-5234 44 Wines & Vines MARCH 201 1 Email: amberg@fltg.net www.graftedgrapevines.com 2399 Wheat Rd. Clifton Springs, Ny. 14432 are resistant to PD, he has focused his re- search on the arizonica resistance because it is controlled by a single gene. The newly planted vineyard is located at Auburn's Chilton County Research and Exten- sion Center near Jemison in the center of the state. Coneva stated that the site has very high PD pressure from a number of sharp- shooter leafhoppers that carry the disease. At the experimental station on Sand Mountain, a 1,500-foot-high sandstone plateau in north- eastern Alabama that's the coolest part of the state, Coneva is testing other grapes including Muscadines and various French hybrids. The Alabama Wineries and Grape Growers Association raised money to combine with funding from Auburn University to conduct the experiments. —Paul Franson