Grape cultivation - Winegrowers remain hopeful in spite of rainfall.
Wine producers in Franconia are positive about their grape vines in spite of the wet corn and early June rains. Even those who suffer from frost damage are relieved to see their plants growing rapidly in the warm weather. Michael Bock, a spokesperson for the Franconian Winegrowers' Association in Würzburg, shared this optimistic sentiment.
However, vineyards require a great deal of maintenance because of the moisture. The relatively cooler night temperatures have slightly postponed budding.
Fighting pests is a major challenge. There's a threat of fungal diseases like "false mildew" (Peronospora), which garden hobbyists might know from strawberries. False mildew sprayed over leaves and berries three years ago after a particularly wet spring. In some areas, organic winegrowers face extensive vineyard damage, up to 80% in certain cases. Elsewhere, winegrowers managed to ward off the fungus with diligent leaf pruning or plant protection products.
False mildew and downy mildew, along with gray mold, are the primary pests that challenge vineyards. To ensure a healthy grape harvest in the fall, pest-infected vineyards are treated with plant protection products. Far less plant protection is required for new resistant grape varieties known as Piwi grape varieties.
Franconia is the most significant wine-growing region in Bavaria, with over 6,400 hectares of cultivated land, which represents approximately 98% of the total. Approximately 2,900 winemakers operate in the region.
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Despite the heavy rainfall affecting grape cultivation in Würzburg, Bavaria, winegrowers remain hopeful. The wet conditions have led to rapid growth of plants, even for those affected by frost damage. However, vineyard maintenance becomes more critical due to the moisture, and pests pose a significant challenge. False mildew, a fungal disease, is particularly problematic, causing extensive damage in some organic vineyards. To combat these pests, vineyards may require treatment with plant protection products. Franconia, being the major wine-growing region in Bavaria, with over 6,400 hectares of cultivated land, relies heavily on the success of its viticulture.
