Title: The vineyards in Sonoma County; being the report of I. De Turk, commissioner for the Sonoma District ...
Abstract:Much attention has been given to the vineyards infested by phylloxera.In some instances the patience of the owners has been wearied by the questions asked.It was ascertained that in some instances hig...Much attention has been given to the vineyards infested by phylloxera.In some instances the patience of the owners has been wearied by the questions asked.It was ascertained that in some instances high fertiliza- tion and very thorough cultivation were tried, but the ravages of the disease continued just the same.One or two flooded their vineyards with water, where it could be done, but this did not tend to check the deadly work of the disease.Bisulphide of carbon was tried, but it proved too expensive, and is not known to have done much good.Such efforts to save vineyards were exceptional cases.Most grape growers have made no effort whatever at special treatment, either digging out the infested vineyard and planting the ground to something else, or replanting with resistants as the old vines have died.From the best information obtainable, I conclude that the first ap- pearance of phylloxera in this county was in the Dresel-Gundlach vineyard, a few miles south of Sonoma, in 1874 or 1875.There, much money was expended on suggested remedies and in experimenting with resistants.In time all the old vines were destroyed and resistants took their place, and the vineyard is now in a very flourishing condition.From this old and noted vineyard the phylloxera has extended north some twenty miles.At Glen Ellen it crossed over into Bennett Valley some five or six years ago, through which it has entered northward several miles.Three years ago the disease made its appearance in the Upper Russian' River Valley, in the vineyards of L. G. Ellis and C. P. Moore.These vineyards are about three miles apart, and the river flows between them.Mr. Ellis can offer no explanation for the appear- ance of the insects in his vineyard, unless it was brought there with some cuttings received from a district in which phylloxera has since shown itself.Mr. Moore shipped some of his grapes to a winery in an infested district a few years ago, and he thinks the troublesome insect may have been carried to his home in the boxes returned.There are one or two other vineyards in the neighborhood of that of Mr. Moore in which a considerable number of vines have died, but the owners attribute the loss to other causes.Jones & Winfield, San Francisco (vineyard near Glen Ellen).Total, 30 acres; all in bearing; soil light gravelly; mountain; southern exposure; crop, 13 tons.This vineyard is less than half its former size, phylloxera having played havoc with the greater portion of it.Jordan, John, Petaluma.Total, 80 acres; all in bearing; soil light loam; mountain; crop, 150 tons.This vineyard is on Sonoma Mountain.Read More