Ten Years of Western Nebraska Grape Cultivar Trials

In Spring 2001, a grape cultivar trial was established at the University of Nebraska Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff Nebraska.  Initial plantings included 15 genotypes and subsequent additions brought the total number of genotypes to 37.  Yield results for harvests from 2003 to 2009 were recorded and evaluated.  Cultivars that exhibited good potential for western Nebraska conditions included Frontenac, Valiant, Leon Millot, Marechal Foch, Elvira, and deChaunac, with yields exceeding an average of 10 pounds per plant.  Challenges experienced for grape production in western Nebraska included spring freeze damage, inability to overwinter consistently, insect damage, and high pH-induced nutrient deficiencies.  Advantages noted include low disease pressure related to the dry climate and thus a potential for organic grape production.  Yield data and images of insect problems and nutrient deficiencies will be presented.