Statewide Viticulture Extension Program

Plexiglas roofs shield vines from UV light

Driving west from the NYS Agricultural Experiment Station, you will see these plexiglas roofs constructed over the top of Chardonnay vines. Their purpose is to prevent ultraviolet radiation from reaching the leaves and clusters. Dr. Wayne Wilcox, plant pathologist, and his graduate student Craig Austin are using this setup to study the impact of UV light on the powdery mildew fungus. Over the past 2 growing seasons they have found more powdery mildew under the plexiglas roofs than on uncovered vines exposed to UV light. Their conclusion? UV light kills some of the powdery mildew fungi, greatly reducing powdery mildew development – and underscoring the importance of canopy management to increase sunlight exposure as part of an integrated management program for powdery mildew. Indeed, in rows without plexiglass protection, cluster disease on VSP-trained vines was reduced by 35% in 2008 when one leaf was pulled above and below each cluster 2 weeks post-bloom compared with Umbrella Kniffen-trained vines where no leaf pulling was practiced.

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