Each winter, Cornell Extension staff from the Finger Lakes, Lake Erie and Hudson Valley regions collect samples of grape buds to test their ability to withstand cold temperatures. Grape growers use this information to make decisions about their pruning strategy during the dormant season in order to retain enough fruitful buds to ensure an adequate crop the following growing season.The bud hardiness monitoring project is a joint effort of the Lake Erie, Finger Lakes, Eastern NY Commercial Horticulture, and statewide viticulture extension programs. Funding is provided by the Lake Erie Regional Grape Program, Inc., the New York Wine and Grape Foundation, and the NYS Agricultural Experiment Station Director’s Endowment.
