The 30-acre Grape Research Branch is the most recent addition to the OARDC branch system. The Ohio Legislature appropriated funds in 1984 for OARDC to establish a grape research facility in Ashtabula County. The county commissioners leased a portion of the county home farm on a long-term basis so buildings could be constructed and vineyards established. The site is located three miles south of Lake Erie in the state's major grape producing region.
The first permanent building, completed in 1989, houses an office, a shop, and storage facilites. Future improvements include a cold storage facilty plus an irrigation pond.
The virst vineyards were established in 1985 with additional plantings being made each ensuing year. The research vineyards are planted on five of the most desirable acres on the branch. Horticultural research consists of experiments on juice, wine, and table grape cultivars, rootstock-scion interactions, chemical growth regulators, nutrition, and general cultural practices.
Entomologists evaluate insecticides and application equipment for insect control in this region, and under these specific soil and climatic conditions. Plant pathologists study disease detection and control practices for grapes. Future projects may include methods of cultural or managment practices.
Comparable grape research takes place at the OARDC's Southern Branch in Ripley.
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