| Clean Plants
PLANT IMPROVEMENT FOR THE LONG TERM HEALTH OF THE WASHINGTON WINE AND GRAPE INDUSTRY
The most important decision in our business is selection of plant material.
It is one of the most economically sensitive and long-term investment decisions made when developing a vineyard and the industry faces a challenge obtaining quality plant material. Washington state nurseries can meet some needs but rapid expansion of the industry has revealed the limitations of foundation material and in-state nurseries to supply all needs.
The grape vine foundation block at WSU’s Irrigated Ag Research and Extension Center (IAREC) in Prosser was originally established at the Roza Unit in 1961 by Dr. Walter Clore and relocated to IAREC headquarters unit in 1983. Its primary purpose was to test selections from around the world to supply clean cutting wood to certified nurseries in Washington. The current foundation block is in need of updating, improved maintenance, and consistent management.
Using certified material is perhaps the most sure way to plant highly productive, long lived vineyards and ensure our industry remains viable…and clean. Unfortunately, the amount of certified material in Washington state is limited.
Consequently, the majority of plant material used in our industry’s recent expansion has been non-certified. Although most of this material is relatively clean, some will place our industry at risk. The Washington State Department of Agriculture’s (WSDA) recent virus survey revealed the presence of some debilitating viruses, some of which were not previously known to exist in Washington. Although at low levels, merely finding these viruses is a concern to the industry for the long term.
The Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers (WAWGG) was given the task of taking the lead role in determining a program to pursue clean plant material. Addressing the plant improvement needs of the industry will allow Washington state to remain competitive in an extremely competitive industry. The industry clearly stated that important changes need to be made to improve our current situation and that priority must be placed on a fast track. The following goals were established:
The WAWGG board of directors appointed its Technical Committee to work with the industry and determine a plan. The Technical Committee set up a plant improvement sub-committee and identified four main areas of need which were separated into industry working groups. The working groups began meeting in early 2001 and established objectives, determined work plans and began initial activity.
Clean Plant Links
http://winegrapes.wsu.edu/virology
http://plant-disease.ippc.orst.edu/disease.cfm?RecordID=526.00000 http://www.inra.fr/hyp3/pathogene/6gflvir.htm
http://plpnemweb.ucdavis.edu/nemaplex/Plntpara/pltvirus.htm
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/ncpn/index.shtml
WHY A FOUNDATION BLOCK?
Certified material can assure a positive response to many of the concerns related to pests and diseases and ensure our industry remains viable…and clean.
Unfortunately, the amount of certified material in the state has been limited. Consequently, the majority of plant material used in our recent expansion has been non-certified. Although most of this material is relatively clean, some will place our industry at risk. The Washington State Department of Agriculture’s recent virus survey revealed the presence of some debilitating viruses. Although at low levels, merely finding these viruses is a concern to the industry for the long term.
In early 2001, the WAWGG board of directors appointed its Technical Committee to work with the industry and determine a plan. The Technical Committee set up a plant improvement sub-committee and identified four main areas of need which were separated into industry working groups. The working groups met and established objectives, determined work plans and began initial activity. The four working groups, their chairs and objectives included:
· Selection - chaired by Tedd Wildman
Objective: to identify varieties that will be in demand and allow access to desirable varieties and/or clones
· Quarantine - chaired by Kevin Corliss
Objective: to obtain virus-free plant material from outside the state (crossing state lines) to ensure competitiveness and sustainability via assurances that plant materials are tested and free of phylloxera, leaf roll, fan leaf and corky bark.
· Foundation - chaired by Rick Hamman
Objective: to ensure a long-term clean plant source for the Washington wine and grape industry.
· Education - chaired by Colin Morrell
Objective: to promote industry understanding of the issues and buy-in to the process and to involvement.
THE FOUNDATION BLOCK ADVISORY GROUP
The WAWGG board identified the need, responsibilities and make-up of an Advisory Group that would include growers, wineries, nurseries, juice growers, WSDA, WSU and at-large positions.
Their role is to advise on the overall business of the Foundation Block including management, direction, selection of plant material, distribution, phytosanitary issues (test and re-testing), all policies and procedures, funding needs, quarantine issues and needs, program review and industry reports.
The NW Foundation Block Advisory Group (FBAG) meets on a quarterly basis and is made up of:
3 grower reps: WA, ID, OR
WA-Tedd Wildman 7/2009
ID-Brad Pintler 7/2010
OR-Matt Novak 7/2008
3 winery rep: WA, OR, ID
WA-Joy Andersen 7/2008
ID-Chuck Devlin 7/2009
OR-Scott Henry Sr. 7/2010
1 concord/juice
WA-Keith Oliver 7/2010
2 table grape
ID-Tom Elias 7/2009
OR-Ray Ethell 7/2008
3 nursery rep: WA, OR
WWA-Tom Thornton 7/2009
EWA-Tom Judkins 7/2008
OR-Tom Lodge 7/2010
5 at large reps
WA-Mercy Olmstead 7/2009
OR-Ted Casteel 7/2010
WA-Brian Carter 7/2010
OR-Earl Jones 7/2008
WA-Mike Means* 7/2009
*=FBAG Chairman
WSU-advisory positions
Ken Eastwell, Naidu Rayapati, Markus Keller
Department of Ag-advisory positions (WA, OR, ID)
WA-Tom Wessels or Laure Guerra
OR-Jan Hedberg
ID-Mike Cooper
PLANTS INTO THE STATE AND OUT OF THE STATE
Cuttings or plants going to other states must meet requirements of receiving state. Each state's requirements are listed on the National Plant Board website:
Grape cuttings or plants coming into the state MUST comply with quarantines:
PLANTS TO OTHER COUNTRIES
For information on exporting plant material, call the nearest WSDA Plant Services Office. Click here for staff directory
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