Duarte Says Grapevine Shortage Is A Myth
August 30, 2013 Duarte Nursery announced this week greatly expanded grapevine production capacity for the 2014 grafting and delivery seasons. Growers interested in vineyard expansion and redevelopment can be confident that with Duarte Nursery’s large supply of clean plant material there is no shortage of grapevines, says the nursery’s president, John Duarte.
“There’s been a lot of concern in the industry about clean vines,” he says. “Our goal is to make sure the industry is aware there is large supply of grapevines for this coming year. There is no grapevine shortage.”
Currently, Duarte Nursery has 30 million rootstocks and 50 million scion buds certified and virus tested for 2014 grafting. Duarte Nursery produces grapevines in multiple formats, including the Big Pot Benchgraft, Tall Pot Benchgraft, MagnumVine and UberVine. Duarte Nursery can produce vines from 385 certified scion selections and 26 certified rootstocks all custom grafted for growers specific needs.
Part of the reason for the rumored shortage was due to the relatively newly diagnosed disease, Red Blotch. Duarte says growers do not have to worry about getting the disease from grapevines sourced at his nursery. “We’ve tested all of our blocks and removed all Red Blotch,” he says. “We have many, many varieties and different clones – unprecedented numbers for 2014.”
With more than 100 million Duarte Nursery grapevines planted throughout California, by now growers are familiar with the superior performance of the Big Pot Benchgraft the nursery has sold for the past 25 year, he says. Today, growers seeking April and May delivery will find the new Tall Pot Benchgraft a great option. Growers can have their vines custom-grafted and delivered in early spring for maximum first year establishment.
Another alternative is the MagnumVine, which offers growers the ability for deeper planting, in-row cultivation and quality growth with limited water availability, he says. In addition, the UberVine offers a 36” rootstock that reduces the amount of time needed for vineyard establishment and labor costs. Duarte Nursery Field Representatives are available statewide to aid in selection to help growers select Duarte Nursery grapevines best suited for their needs.
In recent years, Duarte Nursery has made significant capital expansions in its grapevine program. These include:
■ 200 acres of new generation ultra clean grape rootstock.
■ Over 200 acres of certified scion wood.
■ 20 acres of new greenhouse construction capable of producing 25 million containerized grapevines per growing season.
■ 35 acres of raised outside benches for hardening and storage.
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