PJM 

VINEYARD CONSULTING

Disease, Insect & Weed Control Strategies

~ Disease Control

 “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure….” ~

The major disease problems in vineyards are powdery mildew, black rot, downy mildew and botrytis.  While all grape varieties may acquire these diseases, the vinifera-type grapes (i.e., chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon) are more susceptible to these problems.

 The best strategy for disease control in vineyards is preventative.  Once a disease presents itself in the vineyard, it is very difficult to eliminate it.  This means spraying your vineyards on a 7-10 day interval early in the season, and after fruit set, increasing the interval to 10-14 days.  Also, alternating the chemicals used avoids resistance potential. Use the best chemicals around the bloom period and don’t skimp on the rate per acre.

~ Insect Control ~

Insect problems change in intensity year to year.  

One year the climbing cutworm can get the vine early at bud break while in another year the grape berry moth becomes a major pest.  These along with the Japanese beetle, flea beetle and grape root bore can all affect the vineyard.  This year the cicadas might be a problem by chewing through the shoots of the vine.  

Scouting the vineyard in a timely fashion will help you with control if you know what to look for.

  Insecticide can be used to eliminate these problems but must be used judiciously.  

~ Weed Control ~

Weeds can be controlled by pre and post emergence chemicals.

 It is important to control the weeds in the vine row to reduce competition of water and nutrients.

 This also helps improve the air movement in the vineyard and lowers the humidity in the fruit zone.