My research and teaching is based on 40 years of farm, vineyard and winery experience to help New Mexico wine and grape growers remain economically viable ... the foundation of a lasting farm and wine culture.
My research includes variety and rootstock trials, berry composition, nematode, soil nutritional issues and trellis / training system impacts on vine productivity. We are also engaged in the long-term investigation of native grasses' and plants' role within the vineyard ecosystem and on grapevine/water relations in New Mexico and the arid southwestern United States.
Extension:
o Enhance New Mexico winegrowers’ sustainability and long-term economic success
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Collaborate to deliver programming with NM Wine (commercial growers’ association) and NM Wine and Vine Society (amateur winegrowers)
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Organize and execute annual NM Wine Educational Conference per the technical program and invited speakers
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Revise existing viticulture extension bulletins, guides and circulars using site specific applied research
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Create and publish new bulletins, circulars, instructional videos, timely viticulture blog https://nmsuloslunasasc.blogspot.com and website
o Develop and deliver practical and innovative viticulture and enology information vetted by NMSU Viticulture Advisory Board
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Inform commercial winegrowers, County Extension Agents, private consultants, governmental agencies, Master Gardeners, homeowners and community colleges (workforce development)
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Execute ~30 workshops/seminars/field days/private pesticide applicator/Master Gardener training sessions annually
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Make site visits and extension consultations with growers concerning their challenges and questions
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Distribute production information per new cultivars and rootstocks inclusive of hybrids and table grapes
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Collect/interpret soil and plant tissue sample results with growers
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Measure irrigation water and correlate to production goals at collaborative vineyards to improve water use efficiency
o Mentor, teach, train: graduate/undergraduate students in effective applied agricultural/viticultural research and outreach
Research:
o Evaluate rootstocks, table and wine grape cultivars inclusive of hybrids
o Investigate vineyard cover crop impact on soil health, eco-services, yield and grapevine water relations
o Field evaluation of commercial products intended to enhance ripeness, flavor and aroma precursors
o Survey occurrence and distribution of plant parasitic nematodes in New Mexico vineyards
o Collate, correlate and interpret statewide climatic data and interpret its impact on grapevine phenology and performance
o Investigate trellis system and canopy management impact on vine yield and berry composition
o Investigate water use efficiency of several cultivars for specific production goals: sparkling wine, rose and low alcohol wines
