I am currently planting some grapes, I have a few varities including Cabernet, Merlot, and Syrah. I also have some Cynthiana grapes that I would like to plant with these others. The Cynthiana are more disease prone compared to the other grapes (or so the internet tells me) and I was wondering if it would be a bad idea to plant the Cynthiana with the others. For instance, maybe they are already carrying a disease, and since they have a resistance to it, they could spread it to the other grape vines. Anyone have some ideas?
There's no question that a resistant variety like Cynthiana/Norton could possibly carry a disease which is not expressed but present nonetheless. "Resistance" is usually determined by the absence of economic effects, not the absence of disease. On the other hand, pests like black rot or downy mildew are usually present in every vinyard/garden, just waiting for the appropriate (or to us inappropriate) conditions to swing into action. As usual, be very careful about the sourcing of your vines, but on the whole this shouldn't cause you any worries. Ralph
thx for the reply! but what exactly do you mean when you say.. "be careful about sourcing my vineyard"?
You are investing time: 4 - 5 years to full production, and energy and money in your vinyard. In my area the contracted cost of establishing a vinyard often reaches the $20K - $25K range. Make sure your vine source is reputable and preferrably certified virus free, and a specialist in grapes. OK, if we're talking a few vines in a garden, or a 20-30 vine hobby vineyard, by all means trade cuttings with a friend, but still with caution. What a disappointment to have to tear them out later when you should be making wine! Ralph
