Aim 4 examines phenotypic plasticity of commercially grown grapevines as influenced by grafting and climatic conditions across midwestern and eastern transacts. Harvest-ripe fruit will be collected from 4 regionally important scions in three different vineyards in each of three different climatic regions: the eastern states of New York and Pennsylvania, and the norther (South Dakota and Nebraska) and central Midwest (Kansas and Missouri) in two consecutive years. Fruit samples will be analyzed for elemental content, and wine made from the fruit will be examined for its chemical components. As the bourgeoning grape and wine industry east of the Rocky Mountains is relatively under-served by academic research, our focus on this region will maximize the economic impact of the project.
In addition to expanding our research to commercial vineyards, aim 4 also provides project participants with academic and industry training in viticulture. We will mentor post-docs, graduate and undergraduate students by guiding their research activities and instructing them about the foundational science and the commercial application of this project. Aim 4 sampling and data analysis will be conducted primarily by student participants, introducing them to viticulture practices and connecting them with our industry partners.
In addition to expanding our research to commercial vineyards, aim 4 also provides project participants with academic and industry training in viticulture. We will mentor post-docs, graduate and undergraduate students by guiding their research activities and instructing them about the foundational science and the commercial application of this project. Aim 4 sampling and data analysis will be conducted primarily by student participants, introducing them to viticulture practices and connecting them with our industry partners.
