MU Extension viticulturist calls for collaboration

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Helping growers understand, identify and manage pests is the biggest need of Missouri’s grape and wine industry right now, says Dean Volenberg, viticulture and winery operations specialist for University of Missouri Extension.

“There is a bunch of new pests that are moving not only into the United States but throughout Missouri,” Volenberg said at the recent Grape and Wine Research Symposium hosted by MU’s Grape and Wine Institute. The feature event of the Missouri Grape and Wine Research Alliance, the symposium gathers scientists from MU and other institutions to share knowledge about research on viticulture (growing grapes) and enology (making wine).

Weeds, insects, pathogens, viruses, and bacteria are all pests that can reduce grape yield and quality if not managed, Volenberg said. Fungal pathogens are especially challenging in Missouri because of the state’s humid climate.

“Probably the biggest immediate concern is brown marmorated stink bug, which has been found in the St. Louis area as well as the Jefferson City area.”

There are also new grape pests upon the borders of the U.S. These include the silver Y moth, light brown apple moth and the spotted lanternfly. Likely waiting in the wings to invade U.S. vineyards is the European grape berry moth.

Volenberg says forming a strong extension network with regional horticultural specialists is important for the future of Missouri’s grape and wine industry.

“Wineries have increased by more than 50 percent, from 50 in 2005 to 128 today. It’s hard to service all of those,” Volenberg says. “We need more people to get out in the field and help us solve some of the problems that are impacting the industry. They are really going to be a hand that is out there to help us all so the problems can be solved not only by contacting the university or the Grape and Wine Institute, but by talking to some of the regional people out in the field.”

The Missouri grape and wine industry has created more than 14,000 jobs and has an annual economic impact $1.6 billion.

The 2015 Missouri Grape Growers Association will hold an annual meeting and viticulture field day on June 9 at Les Bourgeois Vineyards in Rocheport. For more information and to register, visit gwi.missouri.edu.

The Grape and Wine Institute is part of the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.