Bud Survival of Grape Varieties at Sub-Zero Temperatures in Washington

Abstract

Below-zero temperatures between December 8 and 14, 1972, with rather uniform minimums of —5 to —7°F over the main grape growing areas of Washington, provided an opportunity to evaluate the effect of vine condition on the cold-hardiness of American, French hybrid, and European grape varieties being grown experimentally and commercially. Following these low temperatures a critical examination of buds, arms, and trunks showed that out of 88 European varieties 39 had little or no injury; out of 34 American varieties 17 showed no injury; and of 14 French hybrids there were 11 that were not appreciably affected.