Bunch Grape Advisory
Vol. 1 Issue 5
June 1, 2001
Petiole Sampling
As we're coming into full bloom, it is time to take petiole samples for
nutrient analyses. The petiole is the slender stem that attaches the leaf
to the vine. Unlike soil samples, which only tell you what is in the soil
available to the plant, petiole analyses tell you what is actually in
the plant at the time of sampling. Nutrient levels vary in concentration
in the petiole with the time of year and some nutrients are better sampled
at different times than others. The full bloom period is the best time
to sample for nitrogen content, and since nitrogen is usually the most
limiting nutrient in vine growth and performance and since petiole sampling
is a time-consuming task, full bloom is considered the time to take samples
for the full range of nutrient analyses. Samples may be taken at other
times during the season if a nutrient-related problem is suspected.
Taking petiole samples is an easy procedure - simply pull the leaf opposite
the flower cluster, immediately cut off the petiole and place it in a
small paper bag, such a lunch sack (see photo). Be sure to label the bag
as to what variety it came from, plus any other
relevant information such as rootstock or block site, and let it sit for
a couple of days in a warm, dry area. Because dried petioles do not provide
much tissue with which to work and an adequate sized sample is needed
to do a full range of nutrient analyses, collect at least 100 petioles
per sample. Take samples from leaves that are well exposed to full sun
(not from inside the canopy) and are free of diseases and insect or physical
injury. Don't take more than 2 or 3 leaves from a single vine unless necessary
to get an adequate-sized sample. Collect petioles from across the entire
block to ensure that the entire block is represented by the sample. Because
nutrient levels can vary with variety, use a different sample for each
variety.
Talk with your county agent about how and where to submit samples for
analyses. Forms may also be downloaded from the NCDA&CS website at:
http://www.agr.state.nc.us/agronomi/
Click on Plant/Waste/Solution and select Plant Tissue Analysis.
Coming Events
1) North Carolina Wine Festival - June 9, 2001
WSJS/WMFR and the NC Grape Council present the North Carolina Wine Festival
on Saturday, June 9, 2001 from 11am-7pm at Tanglewood Park in Clemmons,
NC. Mark your calendar and visit WSJS for more details or to purchase
tickets ($12 advance or $18 at the door). Volunteers needed for the Grape
Council information tent in 2-hour shitfs - contact chanel.mcintyre@ncmail.net.
2) Saturday, July 21, 2001 Winery Planning and Design Workshop
(please note date change) Sponsored by the North Carolina Winegrowers
Association & Virginia Tech's Enology-Grape Chemistry Group:
Winery business planning and economics, winery design considerations including
gravity flow and caves, equipment selection, refrigeration and winery
utilities, government compliance issue, etc. Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Limited capacity / pre-registration is required.
Fee $115, payable to NCWA, PO Box 27647, Raleigh, NC 27611.
Registration form for NCWA day courses is available at www.ncwine.org.
For details check www.fst.vt.edu/zoecklein/index.html
or email/call Chanel.McIntyre@ncmail.net
phone 919-733-7136 x275.
Directions to the Forsyth Co Ag Building: From I-40 West or East, Take
the US 52/8 North exit. Travel 52 North to the Airport-Liberty Street
exit (111B). Turn right at first stoplight onto Fairchild Drive. The Forsyth
County Agricultural Building is 1/2 mile on the right.
3) North Carolina Muscadine Grape Growers Association Annual Meeting
Friday July 27, 2001 at Bannerman Vineyard in Burgaw, NC. Details to follow
or contact chanel.mcintyre@ncmail.net.
Andy Allen
Extension Associate - Viticulture
(919) 515-3705 (office)
(919) 218-1125 (mobile)
andy_allen@ncsu.edu
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