LERGP Home Page  /  Dr. Terry R. Bates

Thursday, July 16

 

Terence R. Bates, Ph.D.

Welcome to Viticulture research in the Lake Erie Grape Production Region.

Along Lake Erie's Southeast shoreline, the land in New York and Pennsylvania quickly rises over 700 feet to the Allegheny Plateau. Sandwiched between the temperature moderating waters of Lake Erie and the 700 foot earthen wall sits a narrow band of land ideal for agricultural fruit production in the Northeastern, U.S. Although also home to the production of peaches, cherries, apples, blueberries, and other fruit crops, agriculture in the region is dominated by grape production with Concord as the main variety. Viticulture research at the Cornell Vineyard Laboratory focuses on improving grape production in this unique region.

For an interesting overview of the Lake Erie grape belt, watch the video, "Savor the Flavor: Romancing America's Grape" by the Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt Heritage Association

If you have any questions or suggestions on the contents of the site, please email me.

     Research

Viticulture as Plant Biology:
Grape growing in the Northeastern, U.S. can have unique challenges for vine productivity and fruit quality. Climatic and soil influences on temperature and available sunlight, water, and mineral nutrients affect vine growth and productivity. Therefore, one aspect of my research focuses on understanding the effects of environmental factors, such as mineral nutrient availability, on vine size, yield, and fruit maturation.

Viticulture as Agricultural Business:
Grape production is also a business influenced by the laws of supply and demand, cash flow, and market competition. While the NY wine grape industry continues to grow in regional markets, the Concord juice industry is more mature and more heavily influenced by world bulk juice competition. Therefore, the second aspect of my research focuses on techniques for efficient vineyard production to improve producer profitability.

     News
Check here for news related to the new 21st Century Cornell Vineyard Lab building project, the Lake Erie Regional Grape Program, or the American Society of Enology and Viticulture - Eastern Section.
     Links


 

The Lake Erie Regional Grape Program at CLEREL, 6592 West Main Road, Portland, NY 14769   
Office Telephone: 716.792.2800 extension 202 

 

Last Modified: November 13, 2009
Comments to: webfeedback