Grape Man of Texas is the first biography of Thomas Volney Munson (1843-1913), the internationally recognized horticulturist who developed over 300 new varieties of grapes, some of which are still grown today on almost every continent. He is perhaps best known for his work in fighting the phylloxera epidemic of the late nineteenth century, which nearly destroyed the world's vineyards. His solution—grafting vinifera onto certain resistant native rootstocks from Texas—earned him the Chevalier du Merite Agricole in the French Legion of Honor and numerous accolades. This second edition introduces new insights into the phylloxera period, Munson's many papers and publications, and his far-sighted grasp of the needs of twentieth century agriculture and transportation. It details the continuing influence of both his research and his hybrid grapes on modern viticulture and new varieties of vitis that have been bred from them around the world.

Grape Man of Texas is the first biography of Thomas Volney Munson (1843-1913), the internationally known horticulturist who developed over 300 varieties of new grapes specifically for the American South and Southwest. He is perhaps best known for his work in fighting the phylloxera epidemic of the late nineteenth century, which nearly wiped out the world's vineyards. His solution-grafting vinifera onto certain resistant native rootstocks from Texas-earned him the Chevalier du Merite Agricole in the French Legion of Honor and numerous accolades. Munson belonged to and was honored by a number of viticultural and scientific associations and was considered a leader in the new scientific movement of the time for his cutting-edge work in breeding plant varieties, some of which are still important in modern viticulture and research.

This text explores the natural history of Texas and more than 2900 springs in 183 Texas counties. It also includes an in-depth discussion of the general characteristics of springs - their physical and prehistoric settings, their historical significance, and their associated flora and fauna.

"A chronicle of Texas's emergence as a wine-producing region. Relates the stories of winegrowers, past and present, who have contributed to Texas wine culture"--Provided by publisher.

When a drought dries up his perfect river home, Alamo the alligator sets off to find a new place to live.

In this complete and approachable manual on grape growing in Texas, Jim Kamas asks the essential question all potential growers need to answer: Why do you want to plant a vineyard? Outlining the challenges and risks to all who think viticulture is a weekend hobby, Kamas then identifies the state’s current grape growing regions and covers everything the commercial or home producer needs to know in order to have a successful vineyard. Well-illustrated text offers chapters on site choice and design, rootstock and fruiting varieties, pruning and training strategies, canopy and floor management, and disease and pest control. Kamas thoroughly explores grapevine horticulture, including the systematics, morphology, nutrition, and water needs of the genus Vitus. Finally, he addresses the issues of equipment and infrastructure before closing with some advice about vineyard-winery relations. Kamas was trained as a student in the grape growing country of western New York by some of the “best viticultural minds” in the US, and grape and wine lovers from all parts of the country will find this book a valuable resource.