Stress management is an important component of regulated deficit irrigation, a practice becoming standard in Washington State red wine grape vineyards. Too much stress during critical times can severely impact wine grape production and quality. Timing, duration, and intensity of the heat or stress will determine the impact it has on the vine, said Dr. Russell Smithyman, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. He outlined critical berry development stages and the impact of stress: • Bloom (fruit set): Too much stress will cause shatter and can negatively impact fruit set in the following year. • Fruit set to early July: Ideal time […]