Spray-N-Grow Agriculture » Small Fruit Research

Grape Trials: Concord

admin — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:53:48 +0000

A.E. Nightingale, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus
Horticultural Sciences
Texas A&M University
Location: Grandview, Washington

Variety: Concord

This field trial was performed on 15-acres of vineyard.

The three treatment blocks had three applications of 30 gallons/acre (mixed 1 oz of Spray-N-Grow/gallon of water). The first application was at bud break, the second shortly after petal fall, and the third 30 days later.

DOUBLE CURTAIN – 726 Vines Per Acre
Control Block: 24 lbs/vine, 8.71 tons/acre, 19.2 sugar solids
2 Applications: 27.66 lbs/vine, 10.04 tons/acre, 18.9 sugar solids
3 Applications: 47.33 lbs/vine, 17.18 tons/acre, 19.5 sugar solids

COMMENTS:
The 3 application plot gave a 97% yield increase (8.47 tons per acre). At $180.00/ton, that is an increased income of $1524.60 per acre. Sugar increase = 0.3 Brix.

STANDARD TRELLIS – 650 Vines Per Acre
Control Block: 31 lbs/vine, 9.37 tons/acre, 17.6 sugar solids
3 Applications: 43 lbs/vine, 13.10 tons/acre, 20.2 sugar solids

COMMENTS:
The 3 application plot gave a 39% yield increase (3.73 tons/acre). At $180.00/ton, that is an increased income of $671.40/acre. Sugar increase = 2.6 Brix.

Grape Trials: Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Savignon, LeNoir

admin — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:53:11 +0000

A.E. Nightingale, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus
Horticultural Sciences
Texas A&M University
Date: 1993
Location: Messina Hof Vineyards – Bryan, Texas

TREATMENTS:
1 ounce of Spray-N-Grow/gallon of water
Applied as a spray to thoroughly wet foliage
RATE:
First: new growth showing
Second: cap drop
Third: 30 days later

PROCEDURE:
Chenin Blanc and LeNoir

On dates determined by the grower for harvest, ten representative plants of both treated and untreated blocks were randomly selected for harvest data. Plants were tagged, harvested by hand and placed in separate containers. The bunches from each plant were counted and weighed. Ten berries from each sample were picked at random and submitted for chemical analysis.

Due to the number of plants available, only five plants of the Cabernet Sauvignon were sampled from each block.

TRIAL RESULTS:
CHENIN BLANC Treated
Lbs per plant: 11.22 (+1.54)
Clusters per plant: 29.9 (-3.8)
Brix: 19.0 (-0.8)
pH: 3.36 (+0.02)
Titratable Acidity: 1.07 (-0.04)

CHENIN BLANC Control
Lbs per plant: 9.68
Clusters per plant: 33.7
Brix: 19.8
pH: 3.34
Titratable Acidity: 1.11

CABERNET SAUVIGNON Treated
Lbs per plant: 10.85 (+4.15)
Clusters per plant: 42.4 (+15)
Brix: 21.7 (-0.02)
pH: 3.20 (-0.07)
Titratable Acidity: 1.07 (+0.07)

CABERNET SAUVIGNON Control
Lbs per plant: 6.70
Clusters per plant: 27.4
Brix: 21.9
pH: 3.27
Titratable Acidity: 1.0

LENOIR Treated
Lbs per plant: 14.45 (+5.85)
Clusters per plant: 33.6 (+10.7)
Brix: 23.7 (-0.9)
pH: 3.50 (-0.08)
Titratable Acidity: 0.74 (+0.02)

LENOIR Control
Lbs per plant: 8.60
Clusters per plant: 22.9
Brix: 24.6
pH: 3.58
Titratable Acidity: .72

Data was subjected to an analysis of variance. The yields of treated plants of LeNoir were highly significant at the .01% level over the control, and the Cabernet Sauvignon yields from treated plants were significant at the .05% level. Chenin Blanc yields were about the same statistically. Comparison of the raw data indicated observable differences between treated and untreated plants for both cluster size and yield:

Chenin Blanc
30% increase in cluster size – 16% more pounds per plant

Cabernet Sauvignon
33% increase in cluster size – 56% more pounds per plant

LeNoir
13% increase in cluster size – 68% more pounds per plant

The chemical analysis showed that there was no effect on the brix, pH, or the titratable acidity. Over-cropping can, in some cases stress a plant so it can not produce enough sugar and end up peaking too soon.

The results of this trial were very important to the grower in that the increase in yield did not adversely affect the chemistry of the fruit.

In general, the treated vines appeared to have better growth and appearance. The positive results of this trial indicate that the use of this product was beneficial and that further testing should be conducted.

1991 Grape Trials: Chancellor

admin — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:48:39 +0000

A.E. Nightingale, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus
Horticultural Sciences
Texas A&M University
Date: 1991
Location: Almathea Vineyards – Atco, New Jersey

Acres: 1 acre
Applications: First – when shoots 1″ long, second – post bloom
Rate: 1 ounce Spray-N-Grow / gallon, 50 gallons per acre
Equipment: Hydraulic sprayer
Harvest date: 9/7, hand picked

TRIAL RESULTS:
Spray-N-Grow Treated
Yield: +600lbs/acre (3,500 lbs/acre)
Sugar: +1.5 (21.5)
Acids & Ph: no significant difference

Control
Yield: 2,900 lbs/acre
Sugar: 20.0
Acids & Ph: no significant differencesCOMMENTS: Treated plants generally more vigorous and had better overall color. Fruit set heavier with fuller bunches on treated plants. Earlier ripening. Fruit hung on better and longer which extended the hand picking season. Differences in yield would probably be greater in a poor growing year relative to temperature and rainfall.

Interested in the influences of Spray-N-Grow on leaf retention in the fall and possible carbohydrate increase to help resist winter damage to vinifera types. Applied a late application in July toward this end. Will continue trials next year.

1990 Grape Trials: Chancellor

admin — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:47:51 +0000

A.E. Nightingale, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus
Horticulture Sciences
Texas A&M University
Date: 1990
Location: Alamathea Vineyards – Atco, New Jersey

Two, acre blocks, one treated and one control. Rate 2 quarts of Spray-N-Grow/50 gallons of water. First application, July 1, just before bloom. Second application – 30 days later.

TRIAL RESULTS:
Spray-N-Grow Treated
Brix: 20.0 (+3.5)
pH Direct: 3.2 (+0.2)
Titratable Acidity: 1.19 (-0.14)

Control
Brix: 16.5
pH Direct: 3.0
Titratable Acidity: 1.33

COMMENTS:
First trial interested primarily in quality of juice and the resulting wine produced. Production of finished wine will be monitored from treatment and control.
Grapes from treated block set heavier and were ripe approximately a week earlier. There were some vine misses in the field which would not give an accurate per acre yield.
Photos show yield differences on average plants. Quality of treated fruit excellent. Grower enthusiastic with the results and will continue trials next year. Trials will also be conducted on varieties that have a past history of poor set. A larger acreage with another grower who harvests by machine will also be treated and should furnish more accurate data on over all yields.

Grape Field Trials Summary

admin — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:46:40 +0000

The use of Spray-N-Grow on wine, table and juice grapes has resulted in:

Increased yield
Increased sugar content
Earlier harvest
Better fruit quality
Healthier, more vigorous vines
More drought resistant plants

A two year study using Spray-N-Grow on wine grapes in New Jersey was conducted by Dr. A.E. Nightingale, professor emeritus, Texas A&M University. The results of this trial were:

Significant yield increase
Increased brix
Better juice chemistry

Dr. Nightingale also supervised a trial in Washington, where Concord grapes were treated with Spray-N-Grow. The Spray-N-Grow increased yields, increased sugar content, and induced earlier fruit maturity.
Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and LeNoir wine grapes were also part of an experiment by Dr. Nightingale. The owner of the Texas vineyard where this trial occurred would not have been impressed with a yield increase if the chemistry of the fruit had been adversely affected. As it turned out, he got impressive yield increases (16, 62 and 68% respectively) and at the same time was able to keep the fruit qualities necessary for making good wine.

Reports from wine, table, juice and raisin grape growers that are not involved in these trials confirm these results of increased yield, increased sugar, earlier ripening, increased size and overall improved quality. Many grape growers throughout the USA and many countries around the world are currently using Spray-N-Grow on their grape crops.