Pest Control for Vineyard Grapes
There are several different types of pests that threaten a grapevine. You will want to keep an eye out for diseases, insects, birds and even larger animals like deer.
For most of the vineyards grape common diseases for grapevines can be mildew, black rot, phomopsis cane and leaf spot, and fungus. Some of you may be wondering how to tell if your grapevines have any of these common diseases. Here are a few things you can watch out for; discoloration of the leaves on the vines, a film or lesions that covers leaves, or the berries start to decay. There are fungicides that you can buy that will get rid of most of these problems. Before you run out and buy the first fungicide you see at the store it will be worth your time to do some research to find the best fungicide for your particular vineyard and type of grape vine.
There are many insects waiting with watchful eyes to build a home or at least a lunch out of your vineyard. There is a moth called the gooseberry moth. These moths will lay eggs on to the surface of your grapes. The larva will hatch and dig themselves into the berries which creates small holes and webs between berries. This is how you know when there is a problem. Grape leafhoppers are insect that feed on the undersides of the leaves. Not to worry to much about these insects, there needs to be a large clan to cause any real damage. The Japanese beetle has a growing population across the united states. These bugs can tremendously reduce the productivity of the vineyard. Rosechafers is another bug that is very large. It is a beetle that feeds on the clusters of grapes. On average, grapevines can withstand low to moderate levels of insect damage. Most of the time, it is only necessary to control insects when they threaten a large portion of the leaf area or the fruit itself. Insecticides can be used to control insect infestation.
Birds can be a big problem. The kind of damage that birds can inflict on a small crop of grapes can be devastating. Not to worry, you can frighten a big flock of birds away fairly easy. If you have to you can erect barriers to protect your vineyard. The barrier is a net that you can buy, it will last about 30 months. If you buy a net to protect your vineyard make sure and take it off during the winter. The net will form an ice shell that can damage your grape vines. Because grapevines grow on a trellis, using a net is realistic and easy to install. You can also use Visual repellents. Objects that look scary, such as mylar tape, strobe lights, lasers, models of predators, and scare eye balloons, are often used to drive off birds. Visual repellents range dramatically in price, sophistication, and effectiveness. For example, everyone recognizes a scarecrow, but there are versions that actually move. These animated “human effigies” tend to work much better than the charming homemade kind, which are better considered as garden decorations. (Whenever possible, choose a repellent that moves, such as by swaying in the wind). Visual repellents should be clearly visible.can also be used and very easy to install. There are cannons on the market that can be set on timers to give a loud blast at certain intervals to scare birds away during feeding times. But, if you are a grape grower that is using their backyard as the sight to grow the grapes, loud cannon sounds can cause more problems then they solve primarily with annoyed neighbors. Visual repellents are quiet and simple such as aluminum pie plates. It can also be artificial hawks, owls, or snakes.
With all of the dedication and hard work it takes to produce a grape crop, preventing pests from ruining it should be a high priority. Your vineyard grapes deserve the best. You will be awarded with the best wine and champagne that you create in your mini wineries.
