http://ucanr.org/blogs/Raisinramblings/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed California Viticulture Information en-us UC ANR http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/rss/ Fri, 11 May 2012 17:37:36 PST Fri, 11 May 2012 17:37:36 PST UC ANR The Plant Identification Lab at Foundation Plant Services (FPS), UC Davis provides variety identification using DNA Fingerprinting technology for grape, and other crops. The service makes DNA-based grape variety identification available to the public on a fee-for-service basis. The grape variety identification service can be used by nursery managers, grape growers, wineries, breeders and other industry representatives. The identification process begins by extracting DNA from the client's...
]]> Fri, 11 May 2012 17:37:36 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=7485&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed sjvasquez@ucanr.edu(Stephen J. Vasquez) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=7485 According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS),California raisin type grapes using the overhead trellis management system totaled 19,543 acres (bearing and non-bearing) during 2011. This amounted to 9.8 percent of the total raisin type grape acreage. Varieties ‘Fiesta’ and ‘DOVine’ had the highest percentage of acreage using the overhead trellis system, at 52.2 percent and 41.2 percent, respectively. However, ‘DOVine’ at 609 acres is...
]]> Wed, 09 May 2012 08:52:46 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=7458&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed sjvasquez@ucanr.edu(Stephen J. Vasquez) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=7458 Total grape acreage for California in 2011 was 848,000 acres according to the California Grape Acreage Report, released April 17, 2012. Of the total grape acreage, 796,000 were bearing while 52,000 were non-bearing. The wine-type grape acreage is estimated at 543,000 acres. Of the total acres, 506,000 were bearing and 37,000 were non-bearing. Table-type grape acreage totaled 96,000 acres with 85,000 bearing and 11,000 non-bearing. Acreage of raisin-type grapes totaled 209,000 acres, of which...
]]> Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:36:54 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=7329&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed sjvasquez@ucanr.edu(Stephen J. Vasquez) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=7329 Current weather forecasts predict the San Joaquin Valley may experience alternating periods of cool and warm temperatures in the next few weeks. Such conditions may lead to the development of weather-related disorder known as “spring fever”. On vines with spring fever, basal leaves will become chlorotic, with green leaf-color fading first from the leaf margins, and then progressing inwards, towards primary and secondary veins (Figure 1 shows a variety of spring fever symptoms). Also, leaf...
]]> Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:54:58 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=7244&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed sjvasquez@ucanr.edu(Stephen J. Vasquez) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=7244 The first in a series of seminars to help educate farm labor contractors, growers and supervisors about heat illness prevention regulations will be held on Thursday, April 5, in Easton. The training will be held at the C.P.D.E.S. Hall, located at 172 W. Jefferson Avenue, Eaton CA.  Attendees will be able to take what they learn back to their own operations, ultimately educating thousands of farm employees.   California employers are required to take these four steps to prevent heat...
]]> Fri, 30 Mar 2012 13:44:21 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=7155&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed sjvasquez@ucanr.edu(Stephen J. Vasquez) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=7155 A gene fusion research project led by a University of California, Davis, plant scientist delivers a one-two punch to Pierce's disease, a deadly threat to California’s world-renowned wine industry. The study is set for publication the week of Feb. 20 in the early edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. “Many disease-causing microbes can evade one defensive action by a host plant, but we believe that most microbes would have difficulty overcoming a combination of two...
]]> Thu, 23 Feb 2012 09:24:47 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6878&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed sjvasquez@ucanr.edu(Stephen J. Vasquez) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6878 UC IPM Announces 2012 Dates for Pesticide Safety Training Certification Program California state regulations and the Federal Worker Protection Standard require fieldworkers and pesticide handlers to receive pesticide safety training according to specific criteria. The trainings must be given in a language that the worker understands and must be done by certified trainers. Several opportunities exist to become certified to conduct these pesticide safety trainings, or to get a refresher if you...
]]> Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:35:01 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6526&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed sjvasquez@ucanr.edu(Stephen J. Vasquez) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6526 To date, the San Joaquin Valley has only received 1.57 inches of precipitation this season (July 1 2011-June 30 2012) with none in December. The last time the San Joaquin Valley had such poor December rainfall was in 1999 and 2000, receiving 0.03 and 0.07 inches, respectively. In both of the following springs, California grape growers observed severe delayed spring growth (DSG), the symptoms of which include irregular and poor bud-break and low shoot vigor. Entire vineyards were affected. Many...
]]> Thu, 29 Dec 2011 07:12:33 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6483&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed sjvasquez@ucanr.edu(Stephen J. Vasquez) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6483 2012 will mark 31 years since the first San Joaquin Valley Grape Symposium. The inaugural symposium was held at the old Hacienda Inn at Clinton Ave. and 99 Hwy in Fresno, CA. The meeting had presentations by farm advisors and specialist covering soils, irrigation, grapevine nutrition and mechanical pruning in addition to other topics. This years meeting will be similar but will focus on raisin production and marketing activities. The 2012 SJV Grape Symposium is being held at the C.P.D.E.S....
]]> Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:08:59 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6254&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed sjvasquez@ucanr.edu(Stephen J. Vasquez) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6254 Are you considering agritourism or nature tourism on your farm or ranch? Would you like to build your agritourism or nature tourism business? This class is for you! Local pioneering agritourism operators will share their own experiences and will be part of a supportive network of advisors as class participants plan and start new enterprises. Participants will learn from experts in business planning, regulatory compliance, risk management, hospitality and cost-effective marketing,...
]]> Tue, 22 Nov 2011 12:53:02 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6247&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed sjvasquez@ucanr.edu(Stephen J. Vasquez) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6247
]]> Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:13:27 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6157&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed sjvasquez@ucanr.edu(Stephen J. Vasquez) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=6157 Rain is predicted for this Tuesday and Wednesday, October 4-5, 2011. Should rain occur, follow these practices to minimize damage and infestation to raisins: Tray-dried raisins• Slip trays to prevent their sticking to the soil. Move them just enough, 1 to 2 inches, to break the seal between the paper and the soil. This interrupts the wicking of moisture from the soil into the tray. • Turn the trays as soon as possible to expose bottom fruit. • Do not save fruit stuck to the bottom of trays...
]]> Mon, 03 Oct 2011 09:25:58 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=5890&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed sjvasquez@ucanr.edu(Stephen J. Vasquez) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=5890 It has been several years since Pierce’s disease (PD), the debilitating grapevine disease caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, has caused significant problems for San Joaquin Valley vineyards. PD dropped off the radar of valley grape industries and growers partly due to other invasive grape pests (vine mealybug, EGVM, etc.) inhabiting vineyards and to a low incidence of PD found throughout the valley. However, in recent months glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) has been trapped in west...
]]> Tue, 27 Sep 2011 17:14:17 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=5859&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed sjvasquez@ucanr.edu(Stephen J. Vasquez) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=5859 Presenters will include Janet Ehlers, RN, MSN, Occupational Health Nurse and Pamela Graydon, MS, COHC, Electronics Engineer. Who should participate? Anyone who works with people exposed to noise in farming. This train-the-trainer online workshop will include how to select and insert hearing protection properly. In order to practice what is being demonstrated, please bring at least one kind of formable (foam) earplugs to the workshop. Tuesday, October 4,...
]]> Thu, 08 Sep 2011 16:06:07 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=5725&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed sjvasquez@ucanr.edu(Stephen J. Vasquez) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=5725 Keep your vineyard healthy by staying on top of pest activity with this pack of 50 sturdy, pocket-size laminated cards. This is the perfect quick reference to identifying and monitoring vineyard diseases and pests.   Covers 27 common insects and mites, 8 diseases, 6 beneficial insects, and a variety of other disorders, weeds, and invertebrate pests. Each pest is identified by a description and excellent close-up color photographs-244 photos in all. On the reverse of each card is a description...
]]> Wed, 07 Sep 2011 16:05:50 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=5708&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed sjvasquez@ucanr.edu(Stephen J. Vasquez) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=5708 A new winegrape variety trial at the University of California's Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Parlier may help local vintners add a touch of distinction to San Joaquin Valley wines. At the recently held Kearney Grape Day (August 16, 2011), UC Cooperative Extension viticulture specialist James Wolpert  introduced growers to the 55 unusual varieties from Portugal, Spain, Italy and France being evaluated at the research center, located south of Fresno. But don't expect to...
]]> Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:50:07 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=5616&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed sjvasquez@ucanr.edu(Stephen J. Vasquez) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=5616
]]> Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:46:37 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=5591&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed sjvasquez@ucanr.edu(Stephen J. Vasquez) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=5591 In agricultural settings (e.g., farms, ranches, forestry, and aquaculture), the hands, wrists and fingers are the body parts most likely to be injured at work, being at particular risk for bruising, lacerations, contact dermatitis, and frostbite. In addition, tasks involving the hands, wrists and fingers, including the use of power tools and hand tools, are associated with increased risk for cumulative trauma injuries of the upper extremities, which may be disabling. Appropriate hand protection...
]]> Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:17:36 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=5403&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed sjvasquez@ucanr.edu(Stephen J. Vasquez) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=5403 Harvest season will soon be upon us in the San Joaquin Valley, which means that testing fruit for maturity will become a daily task beginning shortly after veraison. Proper sampling for sugar is important for making decisions on harvesting specific varieties or locations. Often referred to as “soluble solids” or “sugar” testing, fruit maturity evaluation involves sample collection and testing procedures that accurately represent the crop. Testing for sugar content in fruit has become easier as...
]]> Thu, 21 Jul 2011 11:48:31 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=5357&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed sjvasquez@ucanr.edu(Stephen J. Vasquez) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=5357
]]> Fri, 01 Jul 2011 18:04:16 PST http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=5248&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS%2BFeed sjvasquez@ucanr.edu(Stephen J. Vasquez) http://ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=5248