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GRAPE GRO WING Rootstock Myths Busted on grafted rootstock (varietal scions are grafted onto rootstocks resistant to phylloxera and nematodes.) Washington vineyards have not yet been plagued with phylloxera and nematodes—the operative word being yet. A The spectre of a vine-destroying inva- sion has been lurking in the shadows of Washington vineyards for years. What if, wine industry professionals have fretted, growers did have to start grafting in order to beat the insects and worms? Would grafting affect wine quality? Are Wash- lmost all winegrapes grown in Washington are grown on the roots they sprouted on, and that's unusual. In most of the world's other major wine regions, grapes are grown Academic papers bolster effects of grafted vines in Washington By Brian Clark A shoot from the Washington test vineyard is pictured three weeks after grafting. ington wines great in part because their grapes grow on own-rooted vines? Washington State University research- ers undertook a monumental, multi-year effort to find the answer. A team of scientists led by WSU viticulturist Markus Keller recently completed a project that their predecessors began in 1999, with results published in a pair of papers in the March issue of the American Journal of Enology and Viticulture.1, 2 "The short answer," said Keller, the Chateau Ste. Michelle professor of viticul- ture based at WSU's Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Prosser, Wash., "is don't be afraid." Enologist Jim Harbertson, also based at the Prosser station and a cooperator in the study, agreed. "The big push back 48 WINES & VINES AUGUST 2012 ALL PHOTOS: MARKUS KELLER