Indiana

Purdue expert: April cold may damage Indiana's grape crop

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — A Purdue University horticulturist says Indiana’s recent sub-freezing temperatures may have damaged grape vines lured into budding early by March’s unseasonably warmth.

Purdue horticulture professor Bruce Bordelon says widespread damage to Indiana’s grape crop occurred in 2007 and 2012 when April cold followed March warmth. He says the same damage is “very possible” after last weekend’s sub-freezing temperatures and more cold forecast this week.

Bordelon says grape growers can avoid some crop losses by practicing a pruning technique that calls for them to avoid pruning grape canes until after the last probable spring freeze has passed.

That leaves secondary shoots as a backup if the primary shoots are cold-damaged.

Bordelon says “secondary shoots are not as fruitful as primaries” but they can still result in near-normal yields for growers.

Related posts

Former Indianapolis teacher accused of filming fight between students, charged with neglect

Network Indiana

Study highlights $1.6 billion impact of Indiana’s Regional Cities Initiative

Network Indiana

Whirlpool Corporation expands ‘Feel Good Fridge’ program

Alyssa Foster