Vineyard Pest Control
There are several different types of pests that threaten a grapevine. Types of pests include disease, insects or even birds and deer.
There are several different types of pests that threaten a grapevine. Types of pests include disease, insects or even birds and deer.
Diseases:
Amongst the most common diseases affecting vines are black rot, mildew, phomopsis cane, leaf spot, and fungus. Each different disease has symptoms that are unique, but many of these diseases have similar symptoms, so a thorough research must be done in order to determine the true source of the problem. The most repeated symptoms of these common grapevine diseases are leaf discoloration, fruit decay or a film of slime covering the leaves. In the case your grapevine comes down with any of these, or other, diseases, a fungicide can be used to fix the issue.
Insects:
Grape berry moths are a common grapevine threat. They lay their eggs on top of the grapes, and the larvae then hatches into the fruit leaving behind tiny holes. Grape leafhoppers feed on the under-parts of the leaves. Thankfully, only a big population of this type of insect will truly jeopardize your vine. Japanese beetles are a common threat to USA's vineyards, as their population seems to be growing bigger every year. Rose chafers feed directly from the fruit itself, leaving insect bites behind as evidence of their damage. Even though grapevines can endure a great amount of insect damage and it's generally not necessary to control this kind of pest, a insecticide can be used to reduce infestation.
Birds:
The damage that birds can inflict on a small crop of grapes can be devastating. Surprisingly, a large flock of birds is easier to scare then individual birds. One option to consider if you are finding that birds are a problem is to place a physical barrier over the crop. This netting will last about thirty months but should be taken off before winter for fear ice will form on it and damage the vine. Because grapevines grow on a trellis, using a net is realistic and easy to install. Visual repellents 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.
Deer:
Deer are also a pest to grapevines particularly in early spring when shoots are just emerging and food sources for the deer are scarce. Odor repellents are extremely effective when it comes to controlling deer. Grape growers can use the scent of human or dg hair or soap. Since coyote are natural predators to deer, using the scent of coyotes can also be highly effective.
Protecting your vine should be a priority, given the amount of time and effort you will invest in it. If you take care of the pests that can damage your grapes, the growing process should be a simple and successful one.
There are several different types of pests that threaten a grapevine. Types of pests include disease, insects or even birds and deer.
Diseases:
Amongst the most common diseases affecting vines are black rot, mildew, phomopsis cane, leaf spot, and fungus. Each different disease has symptoms that are unique, but many of these diseases have similar symptoms, so a thorough research must be done in order to determine the true source of the problem. The most repeated symptoms of these common grapevine diseases are leaf discoloration, fruit decay or a film of slime covering the leaves. In the case your grapevine comes down with any of these, or other, diseases, a fungicide can be used to fix the issue.
Insects:
Grape berry moths are a common grapevine threat. They lay their eggs on top of the grapes, and the larvae then hatches into the fruit leaving behind tiny holes. Grape leafhoppers feed on the under-parts of the leaves. Thankfully, only a big population of this type of insect will truly jeopardize your vine. Japanese beetles are a common threat to USA's vineyards, as their population seems to be growing bigger every year. Rose chafers feed directly from the fruit itself, leaving insect bites behind as evidence of their damage. Even though grapevines can endure a great amount of insect damage and it's generally not necessary to control this kind of pest, a insecticide can be used to reduce infestation.
Birds:
The damage that birds can inflict on a small crop of grapes can be devastating. Surprisingly, a large flock of birds is easier to scare then individual birds. One option to consider if you are finding that birds are a problem is to place a physical barrier over the crop. This netting will last about thirty months but should be taken off before winter for fear ice will form on it and damage the vine. Because grapevines grow on a trellis, using a net is realistic and easy to install. Visual repellents 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.
Deer:
Deer are also a pest to grapevines particularly in early spring when shoots are just emerging and food sources for the deer are scarce. Odor repellents are extremely effective when it comes to controlling deer. Grape growers can use the scent of human or dg hair or soap. Since coyote are natural predators to deer, using the scent of coyotes can also be highly effective.
Protecting your vine should be a priority, given the amount of time and effort you will invest in it. If you take care of the pests that can damage your grapes, the growing process should be a simple and successful one.
Author:
Pierre Duponte is a grape growing expert. He spends his time teaching others how to make fine wines. For more great tips on vineyard-pest-control and how to make wine visit http://www.grapegrowingwinemakingtips.com/.