Tag Archive for: anthracnose susceptible

Manjul Dutt

Daytona

Daytona is a pink bunch grape that was bred in Florida. When released it was recommended for fresh fruit consumption, primarily by homeowners but also U-pick or roadside stands. It is not typically known to make wine. The potential exists for wine production, but yields are low. It was released in the early 1980s by Mortenson and Stover. It is currently being grown in the South, but only on a limited scale. In Poplarville, Mississippi the vine performed poorly and was removed within 5 years due to its overall lack of yield. Being from Florida, it is well adapted to the heat and humidity of the Gulf Coast area. The vine has some susceptibility to anthracnose, black rot, and other fungal diseases, but appears to be highly tolerant to Pierce’s disease and downy mildew.

Miss Blanc

Miss Blanc is a white French-American hybrid bunch grape that was released by Mississippi State University in 1982 by J.P Overcash, C.P. Hegwood Jr., and B.J. Stojanovic. It is grown for its usefulness as a mild flavored white wine that has been judged intermediate in quality. Vines are moderately vigorous and productive with medium to large clusters that fully mature in late July to mid-August. While it is susceptible to anthracnose and black rot, it has good tolerance to Pierce’s disease.

Blanc du Bois’ fruit cluster characteristics.

Blanc du Bois

‘Blanc du Bois’ is a white hybrid grape cross developed by Dr. John A. Mortensen at the University of Florida’s Central Florida Research and Education Center (Leesburg, FL) in 1968. In Mortenson’s original release document, he indicated three descriptors of significance for ‘Blanc du Bois’: (1) early ripening; (2) grows well on its own roots (though rootstocks may be necessary on some soils and for nematodes); and of greatest significance, (3) resistance to Pierce’s disease. In addition, and also of major importance, ‘Blanc du Bois’ has very good wine making qualities. It was named in recognition of Emile DuBois, an immigrant from France to Florida, who planted >150 grape cultivars in the Tallahassee area and produced award-winning wines in his time. ‘Blanc du Bois’ is considered one of the best southeastern cultivars for premium wine due to its balanced flavor and resistances to both Pierce’s disease, phyllozera, and powdery mildew. It grows vigorously with a semi-erect growth pattern and produces medium-sized clusters with large berries. ‘Blanc du Bois’ ripens mid to late July in areas of Georgia west of Atlanta and will yield 1.8-4.5 metric tons (2-5 tons) per acre with good viticultural practices. It is grown throughout the Southeast but is most common in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas. Though well adapted to the southeastern climate, it is still highly susceptible to anthracnose. The soluble solids content is on average lower than Vitis vinifera cultivars.