This episode features clips from the Farm Progress Show with Patrick O'Malley and Randall Vos, both field specialists in horticulture with ISU Extension and Outreach
Patrick O'Malley's segment:
- Eastern Iowa has experienced a wetter year than usual, leading to fungal diseases in vegetables and fruit crops.
- Apples that haven't been sprayed are showing more fruit rot, while sprayed ones are doing well.
- Chinese chestnuts are a notable commercial nut crop in Southeast Iowa, with a co-op in Columbus Junction.
- Pawpaws are a potential crop for areas south of Highway 30 in Iowa, with pick-your-own operations emerging.
Randall Vos's segment on grapes:
- Most Midwest grapes are wine grapes, which require specific harvesting considerations.
- Table grape varieties recommended for Iowa include Somerset seedless and Jupiter (for southern Iowa).
- Wine grape harvest timing depends on three main factors: Brix (sugar content), pH, and titratable acidity (TA).
- This year's challenge is higher TA levels due to cooler ripening temperatures.
- Harvest window varies by grape variety and intended wine type (e.g., rosé, dry wine, fortified wine).
- Early-season varieties may have a harvest window as short as a week, while later varieties can have 2-3 weeks.
- Flavor and aroma compounds are difficult to quantify, often relying on human tasting for assessment.
- Winemakers can adjust sugar levels post-harvest to balance high acidity.
- Risks of leaving grapes on the vine longer include rain damage, berry drop, and bird predation.
