Disease risk event:  I just checked the weather record, but the RH is still high and it seems that the wetness event is still going.  I will update when things are dry, but the length of wetness tells me that this series of rains and thunderstorms since yesterday is long enough for Phomopsis, black rot, and downy mildew.

As bloom approaches, a few people contacted me about the petiole sample.  I found a note from the Ohio State Univ., which lists the contact information of three labs that will do the test for you.  As far as I know, there are not much difference among these labs in terms of the accuracy of the measurement.  Just keep in your mind that in order to have a comprehensive picture of what is happening in your vineyard, you will need to have: soil analysis; petiole analysis; and visual assessment.

By the way, we will have a vineyard meeting at Glen Manor (just outside of Front Royal) today.  I hope you can make it.