Grape Research Opportunities

California is the leading producer of grapes in the United States, contributing to about 90% of the country's total grape production, and Ag Metrics Group has several agricultural research stations in the heart of wine and table grape country.
 
The majority of wine grape research trials with Ag Metrics Group in the Central Coast, particularly in Monterey, and San Luis Obispo counties.  On the coast, high value wine grapes are the focus. In Fresno County where the conditions are much warmer than the coast, high production wine grape and table grapes are the emphasis. Trials can be run to study crop protection and agronomy. Our viticulture trials provide critical information for optimizing both yield and quality.
 
We can provide data for experimental inputs to address agricultural challenges such as disease, arthropod pests, vigor, yield, and juice quality. By focusing on these specific conditions, your research can effectively explore and optimize the factors that contribute to successful grape production, whether for table consumption or winemaking.
Common Pathology Test Systems
California:
Botrytis, Pierce's Disease (Xylella fastidiosa), Powdery Mildew
Michigan:
Botrytis Bunch Rot, Downy Mildew, Grape Phylloxera, Powdery Mildew
 
Common Arthropod Species
California:
Mealy Bug, Two Spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus sp)
Michigan:
Berry Moth, Leafhopper
 
Nematode Studies
California:
Plant-parasitic Nematodes, Root Knot Nematode
 
Agronomy Studies
Ag Metrics Group conducts extensive agronomy research on both table and wine grapes.  Here are some of the research trials that we perform:
  • Fertilizer and Nitrogen Focused Trials: We study optimal fertilizer administration for grapes, focusing on improving yield and fruit quality while minimizing environmental impact.
  • Soil Amendments: Various amendments, such as organic matter, biochar, gypsum, and cover crops, are commonly studied for their effects on soil structure, nutrient availability, water retention, and microbial activity.
  • Plant Growth Regulator: PGRs are often used in grape production and we often study new active ingredients, new formulations, etc. 
 
The company's 40 years of experience as a Contract Research Organization focused on agriculture research and its presence in multiple U.S. climate zones provide a robust foundation for conducting comprehensive and regionally-specific research on grapes. ​
Grape Timelines*
CALIFORNIA – Powdery mildew and botrytis trials normally start in May, a few weeks after vines have broken dormancy and are flowering.  Mealybug trials normally start in May or June.  Spider mites are seen in the summer months. 
 
MICHIGAN – Most trials start in May or early June.​
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*General timings subject to current seasonal weather conditions

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