Agriculture – Page 2 – Texas A&M AgriLife Organic

The Future of Organic Viticulture: Embracing Fungus Resistant Grape Varieties in Texas

The global wine industry is witnessing a pivotal shift towards organic practices, a trend strongly reflected in the Lone Star State. Although Texas’s organic grape production is currently led by only 3 farmers cultivating over 200 acres, this growing segment is set to change the Texas wine landscape. This rise in organic viticulture, coupled with an increasing consumer interest in organic wines over the last decade, sets the stage for a deeper exploration of innovative solutions like Fungus Resistant Grape (FRG) varieties.

Why Organic? The Texas Perspective

In Texas, where the climate varies from the arid conditions of the High Plains to the humid Gulf Coast, viticulturists face a unique set of challenges. Disease pressure, particularly from fungal pathogens, is a significant concern that can compromise grape quality and yield. Herein lies the importance of FRG varieties, which offer hope for organic viticulture in Texas and similar environments. The adoption of these disease-resistant varieties can not only enhance the sustainability of vineyards but also align with the growing consumer demand for wines produced “environmentally friendly.” There is a tremendous amount of evidence that the organic label has a huge and growing recognition with consumers, and they are buying organic at an ever-increasing rate.

The Organic Wine Boom

Nationally and globally, the last decade has seen a marked increase in interest and sales of organic wines. Consumers are increasingly drawn to organic labels, not just for the perceived health benefits but also for their environmental impact. This shifting preference underscores the need for viticulture practices that prioritize ecological balance and sustainability. In Texas, where the wine industry is as dynamic as it is diverse, the integration of FRG varieties into organic viticulture holds the promise of meeting this demand while addressing the agronomic challenges of organic grape production.

Disease Resistance: A Game-Changer for Organic Viticulture

In past research FRG varieties such as Regent and many others have demonstrated remarkable resilience against fungal diseases that commonly afflict vineyards, reducing the reliance on fungicides and thus supporting organic farming principles (Pedneault and Provost, 2016). The most common Fungus-Resistant Grape (FRG) varieties grown and sold today include:

Regent

Regent: Developed in Germany, Regent is popular in cooler wine regions due to its resistance to both downy and powdery mildew. It produces red wines with deep color and robust flavors.
Marechal Foch: An early-ripening variety known for its resistance to several grape diseases, including downy mildew. It is used to make a range of wines from light reds to rich, full-bodied wines with dark fruit flavors.
Seyval Blanc: This variety is resistant to powdery mildew and is versatile in winemaking, used for producing everything from sparkling wines to well-balanced still whites.
Solaris: Bred in Sweden, Solaris is resistant to most fungal diseases and is suitable for organic viticulture. It produces aromatic white wines with high acidity and tropical fruit flavors.
Marquette: A cold-hardy variety developed by the University of Minnesota, Marquette is resistant to downy and powdery mildew and produces medium-bodied red wines with notes of cherry, blackberry, and spices.
Camminare Noir: developed by the University of California, Davis, as part of their breeding program for disease-resistant grapes, is a hybrid cross between a Vitis vinifera wine grape variety (94%) and American species known for their disease resistance. It is highly resistant to Pierces disease (PD), powdery mildew and downy mildew, making it particularly well-suited for regions where these fungal diseases are significant challenges.
Crimson Cabernet: developed by David and Ann Munson in Missouri, USA, is a hybrid of Norton (Vitis aestivalis, native to North America) and Cabernet Sauvignon. Bred specifically for cold climates, it offers excellent resistance to PD and to fungal diseases, including black rot and mildews. Norton contributes exceptional disease resistance and cold hardiness, while Cabernet Sauvignon imparts high wine quality and a recognizable flavor profile.
Paseante Noir: Produces wines similar to Pinot Noir, offering a light to medium body with delicate fruit flavors and good structure. It is resistant to Pierce’s Disease and moderately resistant to fungal diseases like powdery mildew. This variety is ideal for warmer regions with high PD pressure but performs well in less disease-prone areas too.
Errante Noir: Produces full-bodied red wines reminiscent of Syrah, with rich fruit flavors, good tannin structure, and aging potential. It combines strong resistance to Pierce’s Disease with moderate fungal resistance, making it an excellent option for growers in hot climates with heavy PD pressure.
Ambulo Blanc: White variety that resembles Sauvignon Blanc in its crisp acidity, citrus notes, and fresh aromatics. It offers high resistance to Pierce’s Disease and moderate fungal resistance, making it suitable for humid, warm regions where white grape production is challenging.
Caminante Blanc: Produces wines akin to Chardonnay, with balanced acidity and flavors of apple, pear, and subtle oak when barrel aged. It is highly resistant to Pierce’s Disease and moderately resistant to fungal pathogens, thriving in regions with significant PD pressure while supporting premium white wine production.

Regarding the use of FRG varieties in Texas, these varieties could translate to lower production costs, reduced environmental impact, and the potential for higher yields—key factors in the sustainability equation of organic viticulture. However, Texas’s diverse climate and the presence of various grape diseases make the state a potential area for adopting FRG varieties. The interest in sustainable and organic viticulture in Texas, along with the challenges posed by fungal diseases, suggest that FRG varieties could offer valuable solutions for Texan vineyards looking to reduce chemical inputs and manage disease more effectively.

Taste the Difference: The “Organoleptic” Advantage

Beyond the agronomic benefits, the organoleptic qualities (fancy word for a food or wine that stimulates our sense of taste or smell) of wines produced from FRG varieties offer a great argument for their adoption. Initial tastings and analyses reveal that these wines can compete with, if not exceed, the sensory profiles of wines made from traditional grape varieties (ones demanded now because they are considered superior). The promise of rich, complex flavors, coupled with the environmental benefits of organic viticulture, presents a compelling value proposition to consumers and wine “connoisseurs” alike. FRG varieties can change the industry for the better if allowed to by the very industry keeping them out!

Looking Ahead: Organic Viticulture in Texas

The growth of organic grape production in Texas, though in its early stages, is indicative of a broader trend towards sustainable viticulture practices. As the interest in organic wines continues to surge, the role of FRG varieties in enabling eco-friendly and economically viable grape production becomes increasingly significant. For Texas, a state known for its agricultural innovation and resilience, the adoption of FRG varieties and increase in organic viticulture could mean a significant change for the Texas wine industry—one that is sustainable, flavorful, and aligned with the increasing global shift towards organic production.

The trends surrounding Fungus-Resistant Grape (FRG) varieties reflect an intersection of sustainability, consumer preferences, and technological advancements. These trends are shaping the future of viticulture and winemaking, positioning FRG varieties as a pivotal innovation in the industry. Here are some key trends:

1. Increased Adoption in Organic Viticulture

FRG varieties are gaining traction among organic vineyards due to their inherent resistance to common fungal diseases, which reduces the need for synthetic chemical treatments.

2. Consumer Awareness and Acceptance

There’s a growing awareness among consumers about the environmental and health impacts of pesticide use in agriculture. As a result, wines produced from FRG varieties are increasingly seen as a healthier and more sustainable option. However, consumer acceptance varies, with a large segment of the market very cautious about genetically modified organisms (GMOs). FRG varieties are mostly being developed through traditional breeding methods rather than genetic engineering making them attractive to organic growers and consumers.

3. Technological Advancements in Breeding

Advances in breeding technologies, including genetic mapping and marker-assisted selection (these are approved organic practices), have significantly improved the quality and disease resistance of FRG varieties. These technological advancements enable the development of new varieties that retain the desired sensory qualities of traditional Vitis vinifera grapes while incorporating disease resistance from other grape species.

4. Regulatory and Policy Shifts

Changes in regulations and policies are influencing the adoption of FRG varieties. Some European regions are recognizing the benefits of these grapes in reducing chemical inputs and are adjusting regulations to support their use. Additionally, there’s a push for clearer labeling practices to inform consumers about the sustainable attributes of wines made from FRG varieties, especially organically produced FRG varieties!

5. Economic and Environmental Sustainability

The economic benefits of adopting FRG varieties are becoming more apparent to growers, including reduced costs associated with disease management and potential for higher yields due to decreased disease pressure.

6. Focus on Quality and Sensory Profiles

Initially, concerns existed about the sensory qualities of wines made from FRG varieties. However, ongoing research and development efforts focus on breeding FRG varieties that produce high-quality wines, comparable to those made from traditional grape varieties. This includes optimizing viticultural practices and winemaking techniques to enhance the sensory profiles of FRG wines.

7. Collaborative Research and Development

There’s a trend towards collaborative efforts among research institutions, breeders, and the wine industry to develop and promote FRG varieties. These collaborations aim to pool resources and knowledge to address the challenges of climate change, disease pressure, and sustainability in viticulture.

In summary, the trends for FRG varieties are driven by a confluence of sustainability concerns, technological innovations, and evolving consumer preferences. These trends highlight the growing importance of FRG varieties in the future of sustainable winemaking and organic viticulture.

As we witness the expansion of organic viticulture in Texas, the future of wine production appears promising. With each vineyard turning to Fungus Resistant Grape varieties, we edge closer to a wine industry that is not only kinder to the planet but also offers wines of exceptional quality and taste. The path forward for Texas and the wine world at large is clear: embracing organic practices and the innovative potential of FRG varieties is not just a trend, but the future of sustainable viticulture.

Source: Pedneault, K., & Provost, C. (2016). Fungus Resistant Grape Varieties as a Suitable Alternative for Organic Wine Production: Benefits, Limits, and Challenges. Scientia Horticulturae, 208, 57-77.

Here is an article from Florida by way of resistant grape varieties from UC-Davis. It follows along the lines of my blog here.

Disease-resistant wine grapes could be boon for Florida’s viticulture

Resources for Organic (click to view)

Biopesticides for the Control of Whiteflies

by Holly Davis, Ph.D. – Certis Biologicals Field Development Manager, Southwestern U.S.

Whiteflies have been a persistent problem this year for Texas growers. These insects can be especially difficult to control in organic production. There are numerous OMRI certified biologicals, or biopesticides, available to growers but, to get the best efficacy, it is important to understand a few things about them.

First, biopesticides need to be applied at the first sign of whitefly activity. Trying to clean up a situation where plants are heavily infested with all life-stages of whiteflies (or any insect or disease) is extremely difficult and there may be no escaping loss of quality and/or yield. The use of yellow sticky cards in greenhouses or around field margins can help detect whitefly activity early so that applications can begin in a timely manner.

Most biopesticides labelled for whitefly control are contact pesticides, meaning they must either be sprayed directly on the pest, or the pest must move across a treated surface while the biopesticide is still active. This can be tricky for insects like whiteflies which spend the majority of their time on the underside of leaves, sometimes deep within plant canopies. For that reason, it is important to use the correct amount of carrier, the right spray equipment, and nozzles, and to include a spreader sticker when appropriate to ensure product is distributed as evenly as possible and adheres to plant tissue.

Once applied, biopesticides may not persist in the environment for a long period of time. Many are degraded by sunlight and/or other environmental factors. Remember, most do not move through the plant (are not systemic) so any new plant growth after application will not be protected. For this reason, biopesticides need to be applied on a regular interval, often every 7-14 days, to ensure that whitefly populations do not build up between applications.

Finally, it is important to understand what to expect from different types of biopesticides. For example, while some products like Des-X®, an insecticidal soap concentrate, have the advantage of providing a quick knock-down of whitefly populations by breaking down the insect cuticle, there is no residual efficacy. Any insect that lands on a leaf after the treatment has dried will not be impacted. Other products such as the entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana, found in BoteGHA®/BotaniGard®, may take several days to kill whiteflies by overwhelming them with fungal spores, but can persist in the environment and continue to infect immigrating or emerging insects. This typically happens when there is high relative humidity and/or a dense plant canopy.

This persistence can be recognized by mycosis, or the presence of emerging spores from a fungus-killed insect. However, lack of visible mycosis does not mean an entomopathogenic fungi is not working. In many cases, whiteflies may simply darken and desiccate.

No matter what biopesticide you chose, it is incredibly important to read the label and understand the product to get the best efficacy possible!

A big thanks to Dr. Davis for supplying such helpful information. For more information on Certis Biologicals, please visit https://www.certisbio.com/

Peanut Seedling Disease Trial

This peanut seedling disease trial was established to simply evaluate organic seed/soil treatments at plant for any sign that they might prevent a complex of seedling diseases that affect peanut seed germination. Typically, a conventional grower has a chemical seed treatment to prevent disease, but organic growers have had very few options and so it is not unusual to be forced to replant. At $1.30 per lb. and most peanut farmers planting over 100#’s per acre, cost add up quickly!

This growing season has had strange weather and because of that the test was planted later than wanted. Both air and soil temperatures jumped significantly in May meaning we needed to irrigate before planting – which created its own set of problems. It was hoped we could put these seeds into cold, wet soils to simulate a West Texas April/early May planting but sometimes things don’t work even in the best planning. Even though it wasn’t ideal we saw a few differences that will help us to adjust what we do in the future for more testing. Listed below are the treatments and rates for the products tested. #7 and #10 serve as checks, #7 is bare seed and #10 is conventionally treated seed with Dynasty, Syngenta Co.

Plots were 2 rows X 25’ with 100 seed planted per row or 4 seed per 1’ of row. There were 4 replications of each plot, randomized. Planting date was May 20, 2022, into a previous irrigated site. 0.75 inches rain fell on May 23 and plots were sufficiently moist for good germination. Peanut seed ‘crack’ was observed on May 26.

Trt. #	Company	Product	Trt.	Per acre
1	Ecological Laboratories	Quantum-EXP 1	IF	64 oz/ac
2	Summit Agro	AVIV	Seed	10-30 oz/100-gallon water. Soak and dry
3	Summit Agro	AVIV	IF	10-30 oz/100-gallon water.
4	Certis Bio	Double Nickel	IF	Double Nickel LC @ 8 fl oz/acre
5	Certis Bio	Double Nickel	IF	Double Nickel LC @ 16 fl oz/acre
6	American Plant Food	Sigma 5-3-2 Bio	PPI	1000 lbs./ac
7	NA	Untreated Check	NA	NA
8	Corteva	Bexfond	IF	14 oz/ac
9	Valent	EndoPrime (EndoMaxx is organic of EndoPrime but not available at treatment)	IF	2oz/Ac
10	NA	Treated seed check	NA	NA

Looking at the results, there is no statistically significant difference in any of the treatments, but trends indicate some differences especially above the untreated check #7. Overall, we want to improve both germination percentage and stand establishment with organic product treatments. Seed germination counts were done on May 31 and no further germination occurred. Ratings of growth were done on June 3, 6, 9 and 13. Rating scale was 1 – 4 with a 1 being best. Organic treatments 1, 2, and 4 were all rated above the untreated check #7. This gives us a possibility of further testing to see if they continue to show an advantage.

Trt. #	Company	Product	Trt	Rate	Germ. % 5/31	Plot Rating
10	NA	Treated seed check	Seed	Dynasty powder	52.875	1.750
1	Ecological Lab.	Quantum-EXP 1	IF	64 oz/ac	45.857	1.875
2	Summit Agro	AVIV	Seed	10-30 oz/100-gallon water. Soak and dry	43.750	2.125
4	Certis Bio	Double Nickel	IF	Double Nickel LC @ 8 fl. oz/acre	44.250	2.188
7	NA	Untreated Check	NA	NA	43.750	2.438
3	Summit Agro	AVIV	IF	10-30 oz/100-gallon water.	44.125	2.563
8	Corteva	Bexfond	IF	14 oz/ac	35.500	2.813
6	American Plant Food	Sigma 5-3-2 Bio	PPI	1000 lbs./ac	34.625	3.063
9	Valent	Endoprime	IF	2oz/Ac	32.000	3.125
5	Certis Bio	Double Nickel	IF	Double Nickel LC @ 16 fl. oz/acre	37.250	3.188
					Average	2.513

“Beginner” Organic Training Class!

Okay, maybe this picture is not exactly a beginner organic class but by the next newsletter it could be you in the picture. I just love the one young boy off to the left, he is the future organic farmer!!

Mark it on your calendar, the first “Beginner Organic Training” program will be held on Tuesday, October 18 starting a 1pm and going through 5 pm, Wednesday, October 19 in Georgetown, Texas. This “beginner” training program is really for anyone who has an interest in learning more about organic production, but it is certainly important and informational for those considering “the plunge” into certified organics.

Topics are being planned but include an overview of the Texas organic program, tour of a local organic nursery, soils and soil microbiome, cover crops for Texas, organic products & pest control, organic fertilizers, biostimulants and a compost tour, what’s involved in organic certification, beneficial insects in organic production and panel discussions. Speakers include Extension Specialists, Texas Dept. of Ag. Organic Program, Extension Agents, Organic Producers, and more.

We are working out the details for cost and a final agenda, but plans are to make it affordable, easy to participate, and fun to attend. Put it on your calendar with more to come! If you are interested don’t hesitate to contact Kate Whitney, Williamson County Extension Horticulturist at (512) 943-3300.

Texas Organic Rice Production Guide

Texas organic rice acreage has steadily increased over the past decade, driven by increased market demand. Since 1995, organic rice acreage has increased in the U.S. by almost six-fold, with a majority of acreage being grown in the Southern U.S. The acreage in Texas alone reached more than 19,000 in 2022.

Texas has over 70 certified organic rice producers scattered from Beaumont to Victoria all along the Texas coast with a few just south of Houston – still! These producers sell to nearly a dozen different organic rice buyers and this rice makes its way into several Texas grocery chains.

What are the major issues facing organic rice producers? Fertility is a concern with almost every crop and rice is no exception. Using organic cover crops though can be a real benefit to rice producers supplying 60 to as much as 108 lbs of N to the subsequent rice crop. In rice these cover crops have to be incorporated early, as much as 4 weeks early, to prevent a strange condition known as straighthead. This extra time allows the cover crop to break down with little to no effect on the crop.

Another major issue is having good organic rice varieties. Fortunately we not only have great Texas A&M AgriLife rice breeders we also have an outstanding Rice Foundation Seed Program begun way back in the spring of 1941. As researchers develop new varieties, Foundation Seed makes those varieties available to rice farmers including organic rice farmers.

If you want to learn more about rice and the rice programs of Texas A&M Agrilife go to https://beaumont.tamu.edu. If you want to read the Texas Organic Rice Production Guidelines publication go to https://tinyurl.com/cdbz3fjd. And remember to eat Texas organic rice every chance you get!

Statewide Organic Training for USDA NRCS Personnel

This past week a nationwide planning team for organic agriculture training held the 2nd of four organic training programs for NRCS personnel in Texas. This planning team is made up of NRCS national and state leaders in organics, the National Center for Appropriate Technology, Texas Department of Agriculture and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.

The training is being conducted online and is held from 9am to 2 pm for each of 3 days. In this first training there were 27 active trainees who learned about organic agriculture, organic certification and organizations and agencies that work in organic agriculture. There are many programs and services that NRCS offers to organic producers and this organic training will help your local NRCS folks know more about you, your production and how to help!