Survey

2025 Table Grape Production Research Priorities Survey

Please review the categories below and mark a research priority level for each (high, medium or low). Within each category, rate the research topics by level of importance to your farming operation by selecting an appropriate number (5 = very important, 1 = not important). If a research topic, or a specific component of one, that's important to your farming operation is not listed, please note it in the comments section provided at the end of the survey.

NOTE: The intent is for one survey submission per grower.

Topics For Research

Cultivar Improvement

Category Priority:

Breeding and evaluation for better, more productive table grape varieties that require fewer inputs, meet consumer preferences, are disease and insect resistant, and heat and drought tolerant

Development of markers to use for marker-assisted, traditional breeding

Breeding for vine architecture and traits that facilitate mechanized/robotic harvest

Cultural Practices & Vineyard Management

Category Priority:

Evaluating the impact of different cultural practices on improving vineyard sustainability to higher heat and drought conditions (shading materials, weed mats, and irrigation strategies)

Effects of different cover crops on production

Development and evaluation of vine training, pruning, and trellising systems

Effect of plant growth regulators on fruit set, berry size and quality, and return fruitfulness

Effect of canopy light penetration, temperature and vine balance on productivity, physiology, and fruit quality

Evaluation of vine nutrient status and requirements

Development of fertilization/fertigation practices and recommendations

Cause and management of berry disorders (cracking, soft tip, shrivel, and waterberry)

Differential vineyard management to produce uniform yield and quality within a vineyard

Determine the impact of the soil microbiome on vine performance, including nutrient status

Development of soil health monitoring metrics to evaluate the effects of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and irrigation management on soil microbiome

Management practices to improve soil health and decrease greenhouse gas emissions

Development of techniques that improve carbon sequestration and enhance water cycles; testing of shredded pruning wood and whole vineyard recycling

Climate Change Impacts

Category Priority:

Evaluation of environmental impacts on vine physiology, fruit development, and quality

Regional analysis on how existing varieties perform in changing climatic conditions

Evaluation of heat tolerance of table grape varieties

Development of cultural practices to mitigate excessive heat

Development strategies to monitor and mitigate soil salinity

Development of integrated models for utilization of water, nutrients, and sunlight at the vineyard-block level

Water Management

Category Priority:

Methods to monitor plant and soil water status

Optimizing irrigation practices

Improving soil water-holding capacity

Strategies to manage and recharge groundwater to sustain long-term water availability

Develop models to correlate timely satellite irrigation recommendations with grape quality parameters and production

Organic Farming Methods

Category Priority:

Evaluation of best production practices for organically-grown table grapes

Development of organic methods to enhance soil fertility and structure

Pest, weed, and disease control practices for organically-grown table grapes

Mechanization & Advanced Automation

Category Priority:

Develop sensor technology for estimating crop and canopy size, berry color development and vine stress

Develop autonomous or semi-autonomous robotic harvest solutions

Develop autonomous or semi-autonomous robotic pruning solutions

Develop autonomous or semi-autonomous robotic shoot thinning/leaf removal solutions

Develop non-destructive sensor technology to measure, monitor, and map key fruit quality traits, including sugar content and acidity

Develop/design vineyard trellis/covers solutions that help reduce environmental stress such as prolonged heat waves and drought

Develop alternative in-vineyard packing techniques/systems

Develop alternative in-house packing techniques/systems, such as packing detached berries

Develop tools for proximal or remote sensing such as vine water status, irrigation scheduling, nutrients, pests, and diseases

Pest/Disease/Weed Management

Category Priority:

Integrated pest and disease management

Integrated weed management

Improved pesticide application technology

Pre-plant soil preparation and disinfestation

Development of molecular diagnostic tools of vine diseases and stress

Development of advanced practices for biological control of pests and diseases

Development of advanced practices for reducing pesticide use and minimizing environmental impact

Powdery mildew monitoring and control

Control of bunch rot/sour rot

Evaluation and management of resistance to fungicides (powdery mildew and botrytis)

Evaluation of new replacement chemicals

Grapevine leafroll virus and transmission

Grapevine fanleaf virus and transmission

Effect of virus diseases on yield and quality

Management of woodcanker diseases (e.g., Esca (measles), Bot canker, Eutypa and Phomopsis)

Soil pests monitoring and control (nematodes, phylloxera)

Black widow spider monitoring and control

Mealybugs monitoring and control

Other pests monitoring and control (leafhoppers, thrips, mites)

Postharvest

Category Priority:

Developing new postharvest practices for maintaining quality and extending storage life

Evaluating the effectiveness of new packing materials and designs to enhance sustainability while maintaining fruit quality during storage and transport

Quarantine and phytosanitary treatments for invasive pests and pests pertinent to export

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