Terry Bates

Viticulture as Plant Biology:

Grape growing in the Northeastern, U.S. can have unique challenges for vine productivity and fruit quality. Climatic and soil influences on temperature and available sunlight, water, and mineral nutrients affect vine growth and productivity. Therefore, one aspect of my research focuses on understanding the effects of environmental factors, such as mineral nutrient availability, on vine size, yield, and fruit maturation.

Viticulture as Agricultural Business:

Grape production is also a business influenced by the laws of supply and demand, cash flow, and market competition. While the NY wine grape industry continues to grow in regional markets, the Concord juice industry is more mature and more heavily influenced by world bulk juice competition. Therefore, the second aspect of my research focuses on techniques for efficient vineyard production to improve producer profitability.