Explore Viticulture: Pruning, Training, and Sustainable Management

The work will consist in learning about viticulture and maintaining two vineyards during the Spring. You will learn about pruning, training and IPM for weed, insects and diseases.

Anticipated Time Commitment:

  • 13 weeks with 3 hours/week during the Spring 25 semester

Project Duration:

  • Spring 2025 with continuation possible.

Compensation:

  • Practicum credits
Name of research group, project, or lab
Petit
Why participate in this opportunity?
  • Hands-on experience in vineyard practice: pruning, weeding, and training grapevines.
  • Gain real-world insights into vineyard operations and plant care.
  • Build transferable skills like problem-solving and critical thinking.
  • Opens doors to internships, research, and careers in agriculture or winemaking.
  • Network with professionals and faculty for future opportunities.
Logistics Information:
Subject Category
Arboriculture
Biology
Ecology
Ecology and Environmental Sustainability
Environmental Science
Food Science
Horticultural Science
Natural Resources Conservation
Plant and Soil Science
Plant Biology
Sustainable Food & Farming
Student ranks applicable
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Student qualifications
  1. Interested in biology, sustainability
  2. Attentive to details
  3. Hands-on
  4. Independent
Time commitment
1-4 h/wk
Position Types and Compensation
Research - Ind. Study Credit
Research - Paid, Work-Study Req.
Number of openings
1
Techniques learned

Horticulture Techniques:

  • Pruning
  • Training

Plant Disease Recognition in the Field:

  • Hands-on training in identifying and diagnosing common grapevine diseases.

Disease Management for Organic Practices:

  • Learning about organic pesticides
  • Integrated pest management (IPM) principles to reduce chemical use while maintaining vine health
Project start
Spring 2025
Contact Information:
Mentor
epetit@umass.edu
Principal Investigator
Name of project director or principal investigator
Elsa Petit
Email address of project director or principal investigator
epetit@umass.edu
1 sp. | 5 appl.
Hours
1-4 h/wk
Project categories
Sustainable Food & Farming (+10)
ArboricultureBiologyEcologyEcology and Environmental SustainabilityEnvironmental ScienceFood ScienceHorticultural ScienceNatural Resources ConservationPlant and Soil SciencePlant BiologySustainable Food & Farming