Sugar Accumulation Disorder (SAD)

Sugar accumulation disorder (SAD) causes poor berry coloration and low sugar accumulation. SAD is triggered after veraison. SAD-affected fruit typically have lower pH, berry weight, and Brix compared to normally developing fruit. Berries may contain up to 70-80% less sugar than healthy berries and are often shriveled. (Read more...)

Below are photos of Pinot Noir clusters near Clarksburg; the shots were taken Aug. 4, 2015, a few weeks before harvest. Berries on SAD-affected clusters are lighter in color and far less sweet than unaffected clusters. Shortly before harvest, SAD berries will shrivel.