The Japan Viticulture Association will hold “Wine-Grape Pathology Seminars & Winter Pruning Workshops” at five venues across Japan from November through December 2025.
The program will feature Associate Professor Mizuho Nita of Virginia Tech, a highly regarded researcher in wine-grape pathology, invited from the United States.
About the “Wine-Grape Pathology Seminars & Winter Pruning Workshops”
The program aims to share new control and management methods that combine scientific knowledge with field practice as wine-grape growing in Japan becomes increasingly complex because of climate change and rising virus damage.
Based in Virginia on the U.S. East Coast, which has a climate with similarities to Japan, Associate Professor Nita is known for research on fungal diseases—particularly downy mildew, botrytis bunch rot and powdery mildew—as well as virus spread, symptoms and countermeasures.
Program Content
The seminars will cover topics including disease risks to consider during pruning and ways to prevent them, winter pruning practices that account for disease pressure, and control strategies and sustainable vineyard management under climate change, combining the latest scientific findings with field examples.
Recent research on ripe rot, which has begun causing damage in Hokkaido as well, will also be shared.
During the workshops, participants will observe grapevines in the vineyard while learning practical techniques that can immediately be applied in the field, such as removing fallen leaves and pruned wood that can serve as infection sources and identifying key points to consider when pruning.
If you are interested, why not take part?
Reference
■ Eligible Participants
・Wineries, growers, researchers, government personnel, students and others
・Anyone involved with Japanese wine
■ Registration
Please apply using the URLs below.
・Friday, November 21 — Iwamizawa, Hokkaido
Lecture: “Fungal Diseases to Consider During Pruning and Their Control” / Winter Pruning Workshop
On-site registration: https://forms.gle/DjZnyuQdGsQzytD39
■ Schedule
Friday, November 21
Iwamizawa, Hokkaido
Lecture: “Fungal Diseases to Consider During Pruning and Their Control” / Winter Pruning Workshop
Manamiru / Coco Toaru Vineyard, Iwamizawa
Tuesday, November 25
Akayu, Nanyo, Yamagata
Lecture: “Fungal Diseases to Consider During Pruning and Their Control” / Winter Pruning Workshop
Tansen Hotel / Takahata Winery vineyard
Wednesday, November 26
Akayu, Nanyo, Yamagata
Special lecture: “Wine-Grape Disease Workshop”
*Content differs from workshops in other regions.
Ekubo Plaza
Thursday, November 27
Shiojiri, Nagano
Lecture: “Fungal Diseases to Consider During Pruning and Their Control” / Winter Pruning Workshop
Shiojiri Health and Welfare Center / Hayashi Farm
Monday, December 1
Tomi, Nagano
Lecture: “Fungal Diseases to Consider During Pruning and Their Control” / Winter Pruning Workshop
Tomi City Central Community Center / Wine Terrace Mido / Mon Vignoble