IN THIS ISSUE SPRING 2011


Serving the tree fruit, grape and wine industries of British Columbia, Canada


Published quarterly by OMedia Communications


Publisher and Editor Bryden Winsby bryden@omedia.ca


Horticultural Adviser and Associate Editor


Peter Waterman peter@omedia.ca


Contributing Editor


Judie Steeves judie@omedia.ca Contributors


Pat Bowen, Tracy Clark, Lyonel Doherty, Cheryl Hampson, Eugene Hogue, Sean Kuchta, Susan McIver, Denise Neilsen, Gerry Neilsen, Scott Smith, Gary Strachan, Bill Taylor, Kevin Usher, Ray Johnson


Sales and Marketing Director


Garth Allmand garth@omedia.ca


Advertising Sales Mike Hamm mike@omedia.ca


Graphic Design Buddy Cole


buddy@locoldesign.com


Canada Post Publications Agreement Number 40841579 Mailing Address


Suite 515, 22-2475 Dobbin Road, West Kelowna, BC, Canada V4T 2E9


Telephone 778-754-1241 Fax 778-754-2032 E-mail


info@omedia.ca Website


www.omedia.ca/grower


Contents copyright 2011. Reproduction in whole or in part, by any means, without prior written permission, is strictly prohibited.


PRINTED IN CANADA by Thunderbird Press. West Kelowna, BC


32 XX-COC-XXXX On The Cover


Mike Molloy, manager of vineyard operations at Mission Hill Family Estate, near one of the wind machines that help minimize cold-weather damage. See page 7.


Judie Steeves photo WINE SO FINE — OR NOT


Gary Strachan provide a close look at the various fining agents, and explains why it’s vital not to over-use them.


regulars UP FRONT


MARKETWATCH PETERWATERMAN


4 6


24


WINEMAKER’S BOOKSHELF 35 FARM SAFETY PRUNINGS


37 38


British Columbia FRUIT GROWER • Spring 2011 3


15 27


features 11


GMO IS A NO-GO


Genetic modification issue sparks spirited debate as orchardists worry that use of the technology might cause further harm to market returns..


CHERRY ROSTER TRIMMED


Loss of one full-time position at Summerland is a sign of the times in research across across the country as retirees aren’t replaced.


BEE APPETITES BOOSTED


New pheremone product is aimed at making honey bee colonies hungrier and more vigorous during pollination.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40