Viticulture and Enology Research Program

Areas of Activity

Concord Grapes

Dr. Morris and his research team have devoted over 36 years of research to studying factors affecting Concord grapes grown in Arkansas. The research was supported to a major extent by the members of the National Grape Cooperative (Welch’s Foods, #2 South Portage Street, Westfield, NY 14787).

General guidelines for establishing a successful Concord grape vineyard have been developed. These include recommendations for

row spacing
trellising systems
production systems and methods such as drip irrigation

Vineyard research has optimized Concord yield and quality based on factors such as pruning severity, training systems, shoot positioning, etc. Studies relating seed number, vine stress and maturity to berry development provided valuable information related to uneven ripening problems of Concord grapes. Most of these studies have taken a systems approach to examine the effects of various preharvest variables not only on yield but also on raw product composition and processed quality.

Initial research on Concord grape juice laid the groundwork for the extensive studies on table and juice grapes presented on a separate page. Many articles in that section also deal with Concord grapes. In addition to production variables, the economics of Concord grape production was studied extensively. As conditions and the economy continue to change, this body of research will continue to be important.

Publications

Articles with titles that are underlined can be viewed online and, if desired, printed.
To view these articles, click on the title (file size is noted as an indication of download time).
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Morris, J.R. and G.L. Main. 2010. Response of Concord grapevines to varied shoot positioning and pruning methods in a warm, long-season growing region. Am. J. Enol. Vitic. 61: 201-213.

Morris, J., G. Main, R. Threlfall, and K. Striegler. 2009. Initial response of 'Concord' and 'Sunbelt' grapes to pruning and fruit thinning. HortTech. 19:368-378.

Bates, T.R. and J.R. Morris. 2009. Mechanical cane pruning and crop adjustment decreases labor costs and maintains fruit quality in New York 'Concord' grape production. HortTech 19:247-253.

Morris, J.R., G.L. Main, R.T. Threlfall, and R.K. Striegler. 2008. Initial impact of pruning and fruit thinning applications on growth and composition of Concord and Sunbelt grapes. In Proceedings of the Justin R. Morris Vineyard Mechanization Symposium. R. K. Striegler, A. Allen, E. Bergmeier, J. Harris (Eds). Pp. 112-129. Osage Beach, MO. February 2-3, 2008.

Morris, J.R. 1995. Grape Growing. Chapt. XX, In "Modern Fruit Science - Orchard and Small Fruit Culture" by N.F. Childers, J.R. Morris, and G. S. Sibbert. Horticultural Publications, Gainesville, FL

Siler, A., and Morris, J.R. 1993. Quality effects of carbonation and ethyl maltol on 'Venus' and 'Concord' grape juices and their grape-apple blends. Amer. J. Enol. and Vitic. 44(3):320. (143KB)

Morris, J.R. and Striegler, K. 1993. Grape juice: Factors that influence quality, processing technology and economics. Chapt. 7, Hort. Review. p. 328.

Price, C. and Morris, J.R. 1991. Sales of Concord grapes as table grapes to compliment profits from a traditional processing grape. Proc. of FL Grape Grower's Assoc. Oct. 25-26. p. 84. (76KB)

Price, C., Morris, J.R. and Kirchner, D.A. 1988. Concord grape marketing options. Ark. Farm Res. 37(5):13. (35KB)

Morris, J.R. 1987. Effects of gibberellic acid (GA₃) on yield and quality of grapes. Proc. of the 108th Ann. Mtg. Ark State Hort. Soc. p.76. (35KB)

Kirchner, D.A., Price, C. and Morris, J.R. 1987. Economic analysis of commercial grape production in Northwest Arkansas. Ark. Farm Res. 36(5):8. (52KB)

Morris, J.R., Sistrunk, W.A., Junek, J., and Sims, C.A. 1986. Effects of fruit maturity, juice storage, and juice extraction temperature on quality of 'Concord' grape juice. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 111(5):742.

Price, C., Morris, J.R., and Kirchner, D.A. 1985. Arkansas budgets reflect increased profits for Concord juice grapes. Fruit South 9(2):7. (43KB)

Morris, J.R., Cawthon, D.L., and Sims, C.A. 1985. Effects of training system, pruning severity, nodes per bearing unit and shoot positioning on yield and quality of Concord grapes. Ark. Farm Res. 34(3):7. (23KB)

Morris, J.R., Spayd, S.E., and Cawthon, D.L. 1984. Concords benefit from drip irrigation. Wines and Vines. 65(4):42.

Morris, J.R., Cawthon, D.L., and Sims, C.A. 1984. Long-term effects of pruning severity, nodes per bearing unit, training system, and shoot positioning on yield and quality of Concord grapes. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 109(5):676.

Wallinder, C.J., Talbert, R.E., and Morris, J.R. 1983. Response of 'Concord' grapes to glyphosate exposure. HortSci 18(1):57.

Morris, J.R., Spayd, S.E., and Cawthon, D.L. 1983. Influence of drip irrigation on Concord grapes. Ark. Farm Res. 32(3):5. (32KB)

Morris, J.R, Spayd, S.E., and Cawthon, D.L. 1983. Effects of irrigation, pruning severity and nitrogen levels on yield and juice quality of 'Concord' grapes. Amer. J. Enol. Vitic. 34:229.

Morris, J.R., Sims, C.A., and Cawthon, D.L. 1983. Effects of excessive potassium levels on pH, acidity, and color of fresh and stored grape juice. Amer. J. Enol. Vitic. 34(1):35. (163KB)

Cawthon, D.L. and Morris, J.R. 1983. Uneven ripening of 'Concord' grapes. Ark. Farm Res. 32(1):9. (34KB)

Morris, J.R., Sims, C.A. and Cawthon, D.L. 1982. Excessive potassium fertilization destroys grape juice quality. Proc. 103rd Ann. Mtg. Ark. State Hort. Soc. p. 106. (22KB)

Morris, J.R. and Cawthon, D.L. 1982. Ethephon as a harvesting aid for 'Concord' grapes. Ark. Farm Res. 31(1):15. (41KB)

Morris, J.R. and Cawthon, D.L. 1982. Effects of Ethephon on maturation and quality of 'Concord' grapes. Ark. Farm Res. 31(2):6. (26KB)

Morris, J.R. and Cawthon, D.L. 1982. Effect of irrigation, fruit load, and potassium fertilization on yield, quality, and petiole analysis of Concord (Vitis labrusca L.) grapes. Amer. J. Enol. Vitic. 33(3):145. (99KB)

Cawthon, D.L. and Morris, J.R. 1982. Seed development and abscisic acid related to uneven ripening of Concord grapes. Proc. 103rd Ann. Mtg. Ark. State Hort. Soc. p. 108. (37KB)

Cawtbon, D.L. and Morris, J.R. 1982. Relationship of seed number and hormone content to fruit ripening in 'Concord' grapes. Ark. Farm Res. 31(6):12. (74KB)

Cawthon, D.L. and Morris, J.R. 1982. Relationship of seed number and maturity to berry development, fruit maturation, hormonal changes and uneven ripening of 'Concord' (Vitis labrusca L.) grapes. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 107(6):1097. (Krezdorn Award Paper, Southern Region)

Morris, J.R. and Cawthon, D.L. 1981. Yield and quality response of 'Concord' grapes to mechanized vine pruning. Ark. Farm Res. 36(3):13. (31KB)

Morris, J.R. and Cawthon, D.L. 1981. Sucker control in ‘Concord’ grape vineyards. Ark. Farm Res. 30(2):4. (40KB)

Morris, J.R. and Cawthon, D.L. 1981. Effects of vine spacing on yield and juice quality of 'Concord' grapes. Ark. Farm Res. 30(4):3. (25KB)

Morris, J.R. and Cawthon, D.L. 1981. Effects of soil depth and in-row vine spacing on yield and juice quality in a mature 'Concord' vineyard. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 106:318.

Morris, J.R. and Cawthon, D.L. 1981. Effects of ethephon on maturation and quality of `Concord' grapes. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 106(3):293.

Morris, J.R. and Cawthon, D.L. 1981. Control of trunk shoots on 'Concord'(Vitis labrusca L.) grapevines with naphthaleneacetic acid. HortSci. 16:321.

Morris, J.R. and Cawthon, D.L. 1981. Chemical control of suckers at grape vineyards examined. Fruit South. 6(1):27. (12KB)

Cawthon, D.L. and Morris, J.R. 1981. Uneven ripening of Concord grapes: Environmental, cultural, and hormonal associations. Proc. 102nd Ann. Mtg. Ark. State Hort. Soc. p. 147. (44KB)

Morris, J.R., Cawthon, D.L., and Fleming, J.W. 1980. Effects of high rates of potassium fertilization on raw product quality and changes in pH and acidity during storage of 'Concord' grape juice. Amer. J. Enol. Vitic. 30:323. (L. M. Ware Research Award) (111KB)

Morris, J.R. 1980. 'Concord’ grapes respond to drip irrigation. Fruit South. 4(4):12. (128KB)

Morris, J.R. 1980. Drip irrigation for grapes. Proc. 101st Ann. Mtg. Ark. State Hort. Soc. p. 114. (64KB)

Morris, J.R., Cawthon, D.L., Spayd, S.E., May, R.D., and Bryan, D.R. 1980. Prediction of Concord grape harvest. Ark. Farm Res. 29(3):11. (32KB)

Morris, J.R., Cawthon, D.L., Spayd, S.E., May, R.D., and Bryan, D.R. 1980. Prediction of Concord grape maturation and sources of error. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 105(3):313.

Morris, J.R. and Cawthon, D.L. 1980. Yield and quality response of 'Concord' grapes to training systems and pruning severity in Arkansas. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 105:307.

Morris, J.R. and Cawthon, D.L. 1980. Mechanical trimming and node adjustment of cordon-trained Concord grapevines. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 105(3):310.

Spayd, S.E. and Morris, J.R. 1979. Yield and quality of 'Concord' grapes as affected by irrigation, pruning severity and nitrogen. Fruit South 3(2):58. (29KB)

Morris, J.R. and Cawthon, D.L. 1979. Response of Concord grapes to training systems. Ark. Farm Res. 28(5):12. (28KB)

Kennedy, J.M., Talbert, R.E., and Morris, J.R. 1979. Weed control in Concord grapes in Arkansas. J. Amer. Soc. Hort Sci. 104(5):713.

Morris, J.R., Cawthon, D.L. and Fleming, J.W. 1979. Effects of temperature and SO₂ addition on quality and postharvest behavior of mechanically harvested juice grapes in Arkansas. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 104(2):166.

Spayd, S.E. and Morris, J.R. 1978. Yield and quality of 'Concord' grapes as affected by irrigation, pruning severity and nitrogen. Ark. Farm Res. 27(1):9.

Spayd, S.E. and Morris, J.R. 1978. Maturation and quality of 'Concord' grapes as influenced by the pre-harvest complex. Ark. Farm Res. 27(2):5. (49KB)

Spayd, S.E. and Morris, J.R. 1978. Influence of irrigation, pruning severity, and nitrogen on yield and quality of 'Concord' grapes in Arkansas. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 103:211.

Morris, J.R., Cawthon, D.L., and Spayd, S.E. 1978. Evaluation of daminozide on 'Concord' grapevines of different fruit set potential. HortScience 13:696.

Morris, J.R., Cawthon, D.L., and Spayd, S.E. 1977. Use of daminozide (Alar) on 'Concord' grapes. Ark. Farm Res. 26(2):7. (53KB)

Morris, J.R. and Cawthon, D.L. 1977. Quality of ‘Concord’ grape juice as affected by cultural methods. Ark. Farm Res. 26(6):7. (36KB)

Morris, J.R. and Cawthon, D.L. 1977. Concord grape juice quality as affected by cultural methods. Proc. 98th Ann. Mtg. Ark. State Hort. Soc. (27KB)

McCaskill, D.R. and Morris, J.R. 1977. Effect of daminozide on yield and quality of ‘Concord’ grape (Vitis labrusca L.) in Arkansas. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Soc. 102:8.

Cawthon, D.L. and Morris, J.R. 1977. Yield and quality of 'Concord' grapes as affected by pruning severity, nodes per bearing unit, training system, shoot positioning, and sampling date in Arkansas. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 102:760.

Cawthon, D.L. and Morris, J.R. 1977. Evaluating new training and pruning systems for increasing yield of Concord grapes. Ark. Farm Res. 26(6):6. (23KB)

Cawthon, D.L. and Morris, J.R. 1977. Evaluation of new training and pruning systems for increasing yield of 'Concord' grapes. Proc. 98th Ann. Mtg. Ark. State Hort. Soc. p. 58. (28KB)

Spayd, S.E. and Morris, J.R. 1976. Two years results with drip irrigation on yield and quality of 'Concord' grapes. Proc. 97th Ann. Mtg. Ark. State Hort. Soc. p. 102. (32KB)

Morris, J.R., Cawthon, D.L., and Spayd, S.E. 1975. Use of daminozide (Alar) on 'Concord' grapes. Proc. 97th Ann. Mtg. Ark. State Hort. Soc. p. 63. (101KB)

Morris, J.R., Cawthon, D.L., and Fleming, J.W. 1975. Effect of mechanical pruning on yield and quality of 'Concord' grapes. Ark. Farm Res. 24(3):12. (43KB)

Spayd, S.E. and Morris, J.R. 1975. Preliminary results with drip irrigation on yield and quality of 'Concord' grapes. Proc. 96th Ann. Mtg. Ark. State Hort. Soc. p. 59. (80KB)

Downey, D.A. and Morris, J.R. 1974. Lampblack for frost protection in a grape vineyard. Ark. Farm Res. 23(5):13. (29KB)

Benedict, R.H., Morris, J.R., Fleming, J.W., and McCaskill, D.R. 1973. Effects of temperature on quality of mechanically harvested ‘Concord’ grapes. Ark. Farm Res. 22(1):2. (39KB)

McCaskill, D.R., Fleming, J.W., and Morris, J.R. 1972. Further studies of Alar use on grapes. Ark. Farm Res. 21(3):8.(23KB)

Morris, J.R., Fleming, J.W., and McCaskill, D.R., 1970. Use of Alar on Concord grapes. Ark. Farm Res. 21(3):8.(23KB)