The Dirty Work: Wine Grape Case Study

Working with Wine Grape Growers to Enhance the Quality of their Vineyards

BioFlora® began a trial on wine grapes in San Joaquin, California with a long list of objectives. Each of these objectives were made possible by a combination of BioFlora products. Our highest priorities were to develop even ripening and enhance the quality of the grapes in order to produce a higher quality wine by stabilizing the fermentation process. Secondly, our goals were to help the long-term health of the vineyard, by mitigating salt damage, increasing microbial diversity in the soil, and increasing the wood maturity of the vines. BioFlora Products Used:Humega® enhances root protection by stimulating the growth of beneficial microbes. BioFlora Seaweed Creme® increases flowering, fruit set, and fruit cell density while improving the balance between sugars and acidity. Fulmega™ 1% Mg assists with higher yield even with less chemical fertilizer input. GOgreen® buffers the plant roots from sales and other soil contaminates. DynaMega® 2-1-1 increases cane density to produce more dense and hardy wood, resulting in more bunch producing spurs and less cane breakage during harvest.

Our Method  For the soil treatment, Humega was applied through the irrigation system at pre-bloom, followed by a second application of Humega, BioFlora Seaweed Creme, and Fulmega 15 – 30 days later. After 20 days, this application was repeated. GOgreen was also applied with every irrigation cycle. Rates of application varied per product. For the foliar treatment, DynaMega and Fulmega were applied at pre-bloom (at the first sight of bud swelling). This application was repeated 15 days later. After fruit set (pre-veraison) DynaMega, Fulmega, and BioFlora Seaweed Creme were also applied. Rates of application varied per product. Our Results Salts were significantly reduced from the root area. Filamentous blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) were eliminated from the soil surface, allowing for greater oxygen penetration. Diversity of soil microbes increased, causing a noticeable decrease in disease pathogens.

Canes developed an oily, mahogany color with a higher wood to pulp ratio. Even fruit set and ripening of the wine grapes. Acid level of 3.36 pH vs. 3.87 pH (control). A Bit More About Our ProductsHumega is a biologically active humic acid, which facilitates soil tilth and boosts microbial activity. We utilize a proprietary extraction process that is unique to our business, which aids our approach in maximizing the amounts of humic acids we are able to procure. BioFlora Seaweed Creme begins with hand-harvested, sun-dried Ascophyllum nodosum, a seaweed found in the cold waters off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. This seaweed is homogenized, processed at ambient temperatures and then enhanced with our patented ionic minerals. Fulmega 1% Mg in enhanced with ionic magnesium which has the unique ability to enhance photosynthetic activity, slow chlorophyll degradation, activate cellular energy, and improve the bioavailability of traditional chemical fertilizer inputs. GOgreen is a proprietary liquid mixture of freshwater microalgae that includes algae species in the genera Chlorella, Nannochloris and Scenedesmus. These species are beneficial to both plants and soils by creating a healthy growing environment. DynaMega is the perfect combination of fish solubles and seaweed that has been formulated to maximize the development and formation of a wide variety of crops. Its ingredients create the ideal balance of amino acids, proteins, auxins, micronutrients and growth stimulants. About BioFlora BioFlora® was founded in 1972 with a goal to conceptualize, develop, manufacture, market, and deliver a proprietary product line to the agricultural community. Through our innovative products and programs, we provide solutions to our customers in both domestic and international markets. Today, we have over 30 unique proprietary products that benefit growers, retailers, and consumers. Our organic and sustainable agricultural programs maximize the efficacy and efficiency of traditional agricultural inputs, while being mindful of their environmental impact.