FRESNO, Calif. (KMPH) -
For Valley grape grower Nat Dibudio, as the mercury rises, so does his blood pressure.
"When it starts getting up to the 110 degree temperature that we have today, it impacts the vines because the vines basically go into self-preservation mode," Dibudio said.
That means they're putting more energy into survival than grape development.
"It's a concern right now. Those kinds of consecutive days are a concern," he said.
And people aren't the only ones who have to worry about sunburns.
Too much sun exposure to grapes can actually burn the leaves and damage or ruin the crop underneath.
"It happens and it happens pretty regularly when it gets this hot," Dibudio said.
One thing growers can do is provide a good canopy, and that basically means the number of leaves on the vine.
"What's at risk is a multi-million dollar crop," Dibudio said.
Another thing growers can do is stay away.
"You stay out of the field because any tractor work creates more heat and more dust. You make sure the vine has plenty of water," Dibudio said.
Dibudio says that means things like drip irrigation.
"That's creating a cooler environment for the vines," he said.
Dibudio says the right amount of heat, between 90 and 95 degrees, is what grapes need.
"Sufficient amount of heat helps develop that canopy, which produces the sugar to develop the fruit," he said. "That means a better crop, better quality grape and better quality wine."
Dibudio says this is also a good time to remind growers how important it is to make sure workers in the field are getting enough water, plenty of shade and breaks from the heat.
