May 18, 2023
The freshly tilled field in Geneva, NY, ready for planting grapevines. The trial will include Chardonnay as a Vitis vinifera control, hybrid selections from the NY breeding program, and Cornell and UMN cold-hardy releases including Arandell and La Crescent.
The grapevines are soaked in water to rehydrate the roots before planting. This can take 3-4 hours!
One of our research techs on the back of the tractor, dropping grapevines for planting. A light on the back of the vehicle flashes every 8 feet to ensure even spacing.
The Geneva crew taking a quick break from planting!