Long-term Citizen Science Project Led to Pinot noir Yield Management Changes

Abstract

Background and goals In premium Pinot noir production, there is an assumption that lower yields achieved through cluster thinning result in higher quality fruit. To challenge this idea within the Willamette Valley, a decade-long industry citizen science project was conducted. Methods and key findings The project, referred to as the Statewide Crop Load Project, used qualitative analysis methods to evaluate industry participant observations, changes in practice, and economic impacts. Adoption of new practices took time; however, fruit quality, vine health, and wine sensory observations facilitated the increase in company-wide target yields. Economic impacts reported by participants included reduced thinning costs and increased quantity of fruit at desired quality. Conclusions and significance Participants increased target yields after participating in yield management research as industry citizen scientists. They reported positive economic impacts associated with those changes. The effectiveness of participatory research helped redefine the yield-quality relationship for premium Pinot noir production within companies and the larger industry.