Evaluating The Effects Of Using Annually Established Under-Vine Cover Crops In Northeastern Riesling Vineyards

Abstract

Given the rising concerns of herbicide resistance and environmental contamination, investigating ways to eliminate herbicide use in vineyards is warranted. In two Finger Lakes vineyards, cover crops were established annually beneath Riesling vines and compared to a glyphosate-sprayed strip. At one site, natural vegetation, buckwheat, and annual rye grass underneath vines were not found to impact measures of vine growth, yields, or juice characteristics, but did cause differences in wine aroma. At the second site, buckwheat, chicory, and herbicide were maintained beneath vines, with and without irrigation. Using buckwheat did not impact vine growth or yield, but chicory reduced vegetative growth, yields, and titratable acidity in the second year. All treatments were also found to create differences in perceived wine aroma. Further testing of how different under-vine cover crop species affect vine growth and resulting wine aromas in Northeastern Riesling will help provide grape growers with sustainable alternatives to herbicide.