OARDC Ashtabula Agricultural Research Station

Nestled in the heart of Ohio’s major grape region is a 25-acre research plot dedicated to improving production efficiency of grapes ­ which includes fruit destined for the juice and wine industry as well as table grapes. OARDC’s Ashtabula Agricultural Research Station is situated in Ashtabula County ­ just three miles south of Lake Erie.

In 1984 the Ohio Legislature appropriated funds for OARDC to establish a grape research facility. Ashtabula County commissioners provided a portion of county home farmland for building and vineyard construction. The vineyards were established on five of the most desirable acres at the station.

Horticultural research has included experiments on juice, wine and table grape cultivars, rootstock-scion interactions, chemical growth regulators, nutrition and general cultural practices. Rootstock interaction studies examine cultivars like White Riesling and Cabernet Franc. Another study involves the wine cultivar Pinot Noir ­ trained and pruned to two trellising systems and four crop levels. OARDC scientists look closely at vine canopy light interception and vineyard economics ­ to save growers money. Scientists at OARDC’s Wooster campus then examine the quality of wines produced from the grapes at the station.Pinot Gris is a high-quality wine varietal also studied at the station. Vineyard establishment ­ irrigation, pruning systems, mulches, growth tubes ­ and the economics of production are evaluated. Scientists are looking at the variety’s resistance to insects and diseases and ways to enhance winter hardiness.
Newer studies focus on the culture and adaptation of newly introduced grape cultivars. Scientists are examining lesser-known grape varieties that they feel may benefit Ohio’s grape and wine industry. Fruit from these vines will be used in further wine-making studies at OARDC’s Wooster Campus location.
The Ashtabula Agricultural Research Station promotes an educational program for students from kindergarten through college. Hundreds of students tour the facility each year. The station also hosts the biennial Ohio Grape & Wine Field Day as well as a Winter Pruning School, and is developing educational materials like coloring books to introduce students and their parents to the grape industry and the research taking place here.

Studies at the Research Station involve horticulturists, plant pathologists, entomologists, viticulturists and enologists. They are the keys to this station’s success. Input from area growers is critical in the planning and development of many of the projects because they face challenges in their vineyards every day. Of special note is the Ashtabula Agricultural Research Station Liaison Committee, a group of growers, wine and juice producers, OARDC scientists and OSU Extension specialists and county agents who advise station staff and suggest research projects.

Research at this station benefits Ohio grape growers ­ it helps them identify problems, find solutions and establish new management practices to ensure the quality and value of their production.