High Tunnel Grape Production
Since 2015, University of Arkansas Horticulture professor Dr. Elena Garcia and her research team have been investigating the productivity, efficiency, and economic feasibility of using high tunnel technology in grape production. Research results are promising, with significant yield increases and a reduction in disease pressure. High tunnels may allow for the expansion of grape production in areas with marginal climates such as the Southeastern United States.
The following are publications and additional resources developed by associates from the National Center for Appropriate Technology, the University of Arkansas, and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service.
Planting and Establishment
- High Tunnel Grapes: Planting (video)- Produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology
- High Tunnel Grapes: Establishment- By Luke Freeman, NCAT Agriculture Specialist, Dr. Elena Garcia, University of Arkansas, and Dr. Amanda McWhirt, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service
- High Tunnel Tree Fruit and Grape Production for Eastern Growers- Guy K. Ames, NCAT Horticulture Specialist
Pruning, Trellising, and Training
- High Tunnel Grapes: Pruning, Trellising, and Training- By Luke Freeman, NCAT Agriculture Specialist, Dr. Elena Garcia, University of Arkansas, and Dr. Amanda McWhirt, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service
- High Tunnel Grapes- Winter Pruning (video)- Produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology
- High Tunnel Grapes- Cluster Thinning (video)- Produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology
- High Tunnel Grapes- Trellising & Training (video)- Produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology
Management and Harvest
- High Tunnel Grapes: Temperature and Soil Management- By Luke Freeman, NCAT Agriculture Specialist, Dr. Elena Garcia, University of Arkansas, and Dr. Amanda McWhirt, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service
- High Tunnel Grapes- Harvest Considerations (video)- Produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology
- High Tunnel Grapes- Grower Interview with Rex Barnhill (video)- Produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology
The High Tunnel Grape Project is funded by Southern SARE and led by the University of Arkansas in collaboration with Cooperative Extension, the National Center for Appropriate Technology, and the Arkansas Association of Grape Growers.