Do Michigan vines need to be grafted?
Most vinifera vines that are grown (such as Cabernet, Reisling, etc) need to be grafted on to a strong rootstock because they are not tolerant of the Phloxera louse, a pest that will kill the vines. Most all vines in California and any vinifera vine grown in Michigan are grafted for this reason. French Hybrid (Seyval, Baco Noir, etc) and American varieties (Concord, Niagara, etc) are tolerant of Phloxera and do not need to be grafted. Some vines are grafted on to vigourous rootstock to improve their vigour. We are experimenting with grafting some weaker growing varieties, such as Ny. Muscat on to Concord rootstock in our vineyard.
