By Blake Jackson
Missouri's grape harvest this year is occurring earlier than usual across the state, primarily due to a low crop yield attributed to last spring's frost.
Dean Volenberg, interim director of the University of Missouri Grape and Wine Institute and leader of the viticulture program, explained, “The good news is the grape quality is very high this year; it should be a very good vintage.”
The grape crop for 2024 commenced in June 2023, making it vulnerable to environmental influences from that point until the bud burst expected around mid-April 2024.
“What we’re seeing here in Missouri is what I would call weather patterns that are similar to Colorado, with warm falls and big drops in temperatures later in the fall, even into December,” Volenberg said. “Most everything looked good in mid-January except for the cultivar Chardonel. Then, Missouri grapes were exposed to scattered spring frosts after bud break, causing damage.”
When the primary bud is compromised, a secondary bud may develop, although this can result in reduced fruit yield. “In some cultivars those are fruitful, but you will see fruit reduction,” Volenberg said. “Typically, you’re down to a 40%-60% crop instead of a full crop.” However, some growers have reported normal yields unaffected by frost.
Despite these challenges, the large canopy remaining on the vines allows for quicker maturation of secondary clusters, contributing to the early harvest.
Volenberg highlighted that there are still Norton grapes left to be harvested, with some growers reporting yields of up to 5 tons per acre. In contrast, the Norton harvest can extend into mid-November in certain years.
Looking ahead, Volenberg expressed optimism for the 2025 grape crop. He mentioned that while some regions of Missouri are experiencing dry conditions, grape growers are planning to irrigate their crops this fall. “We don’t like to see a killing frost for six weeks,” Volenberg said.
Photo Credit: istock-jimfeng
Categories: Missouri, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables