Many people believe that by planting grapes correctly and providing them with abundant fertilizers and watering, you can get A guaranteed harvest. Unfortunately, however, it's not uncommon for a disease outbreak or pest infestation to destroy years of hard work in a matter of days. Therefore, to ensure consistent, full harvests, it's essential to constantly protect the vines from pests.
Why is processing necessary?
The main goal of grapevine treatment is to prevent diseases and control insect pests. Spring spraying of vines infected during the winter helps prevent further spread of infection and also destroys pathogens. Pollination with pesticides also protects the vines from insects.
The main pests of grapes
To determine which spraying product to use, a gardener must be able to identify the specific insects damaging their crops. The most dangerous insects are:
- Phylloxera. A small aphid that typically hides in the roots and lower parts of a plant. Phylloxera larvae attach themselves to the roots or trunk of a plant and suck the sap. After the plant dies, the larvae move on to the next one, gradually destroying the entire plantation.
- Mites. This family of mites is very small (0.15 to 0.6 mm). Mites overwinter in grape buds and emerge in the spring at temperatures of 15-17 degrees Celsius. They feed on the buds and leaves of the plant, sometimes completely destroying it.
- Leaf rollers. The leaf roller family is very numerous. Three species feed on grapes: the grape leaf roller, the grape leaf roller, and the biennial leaf roller. The voracious caterpillars of this harmful insect settle on grape leaves and consume shoots, leaves, buds, and flowers;
- Willow woodworm. The caterpillars of this large (10 cm wingspan) butterfly feed on wood. By burrowing into the center of a trunk, they can completely destroy the tree from the inside.
Processing times
For complete protection, plantings are treated several times a year. Excellent results are achieved by combining foliar feeding and insecticidal treatments. Spraying plants with insecticidal solutions begins at the top of the plant to ensure better coverage of the leaves.
Spring processing
The first treatment is carried out immediately after the vines are raised onto the trellis. This is usually done when the air temperature rises above 5°C (41°F). To protect against diseases and rodents, the vines are sprayed with a 3% copper sulfate solution. This initial spraying applies the solution not only to the trunk and branches but also to the surrounding soil to kill pathogens present in the soil and mulch.
After half a month, when the first 5-6 leaves appear, the plants need to be sprayed with nitrafen.
The final spring spraying is carried out before flowering. Copper-containing preparations are used against downy mildew; sulfur-containing preparations are used against powdery mildew; acaricides are used against spider mites; and spraying with baking soda or iodine is used to prevent fungal diseases.
Summer processing
Summer treatment is carried out against fungal diseases. Copper- and sulfur-containing preparations or a potassium permanganate solution are used for this purpose. Spraying begins during ripening, when the grapes reach the size of a pea, and is repeated every ten days.
Autumn processing
In the fall, grapes are treated immediately after pruning to prevent fungal diseases and rodent infestations. To achieve this, spray the grapes with copper sulfate in the fall before wintering. Spraying is done in the evening on cloudy, dry days.
Grapevine treatment products
All preparations for treating vines can be divided into three large groups:
- chemical agents;
- biological agents;
- recipes from folk practice.
Chemicals
The industry produces a variety of preparations for treating grape vines.
Bordeaux mixture
https://youtu.be/YpXR4sE-C7A
Bordeaux mixture is effective against many fungal diseases. It is used against gray mold, downy mildew, and anthracnose.
The first time, the vines are pollinated with a 3% solution of the mixture in early spring before bud break. The second time, the product can be applied during the active leaf growth phase, reducing the solution concentration to 1%.
Ferrous sulfate
Spraying grapes with ferrous sulfate not only prevents fungal diseases but also provides a source of iron for the plants. It is used against powdery mildew, spotted necrosis, anthracnose, and gray mold. Also, pollinating grapes in early spring delays bud break, thereby protecting them from severe spring frosts. To do this, dissolve half a kilogram of ferrous sulfate in ten liters of water. Spray the plants with the solution immediately after removing their winter cover; later spraying leads to flower drop and deters pollinating insects.
You may be interested in:Quadris
Quadris is an excellent solution for combating downy mildew, mildew, and oidium. The fungicide is low-toxic and does not repel beneficial insects. The effective concentration of the solution is 0.1%. It is especially effective when applied in the early stages of the disease, curing it within 24 hours. The solution is compatible with all types of fertilizers and pesticides.
Copper sulfate
Copper sulfate is an effective antifungal agent. To prepare the medicinal solution, pour two liters of hot water into a plastic or enamel bucket and add 300 grams of quicklime. When the quicklime enters the water, a violent chemical reaction occurs. After the reaction is complete, add another 8 liters of hot water to the bucket, dissolving 300 grams of copper sulfate granules. Stir and strain the solution. Test the solution's readiness by inserting an iron nail into the container. If the color of the metal remains unchanged, the mixture is safe for plants.
For preventative spraying, add 100 grams of granules to a bucket of water.
Urea
The nitrogen contained in urea (carbamide) is an excellent spring stimulant for rapid growth of leaves and shoots. Urea also effectively destroys colonies of copperheads and caterpillars and protects plants from scab. For treatment and prevention, spray the vineyard with a urea solution (0.5–0.7 kg of granules per 10 liters of water) in the spring before sap begins to flow.
Ridomil
Ridomil is used to prevent and treat late blight, black rot, mildew, gray spot, and rubella. It contains two active ingredients: mancozeb (640 g/kg) acts by contact and destroys external fungal colonies upon contact with the plant; menofixam (40 g/kg) penetrates the vine, protecting it from within. The protective properties of the product last for two weeks, even during rainy weather.
To prepare the solution, use 25 grams of the product per bucket of water. The first treatment is carried out when the plant's fourth leaf emerges, and then repeat the process every two weeks. For every 10 square meters of planting, use one to one and a half liters of solution.
Strobe
Strobi is effective against virtually all fungal diseases. It contains the active ingredient kresoxim-methyl. The fungicide is available as granules packaged in 2- or 200-gram containers. After application, Strobi adheres to leaves and fruits, forming a protective film that destroys mycelial spores. The product is precipitation-resistant, so it can be used even in rainy weather.
For spraying, dilute 2 grams of Strobi in 10 liters of water. The first treatment is applied before flowering, then repeated every ten days for preventative purposes. The final spraying is carried out one month before harvest.
Falcon
Falcon fungicide is excellent for combating fungal diseases. It contains spiroxamine (250 g/L), tebuconazole (167 g/L), and triadimenol (43 g/L). These active ingredients complement each other and act synergistically on the mycelium, so results are visible within two hours of application.
For preventative treatment, dilute 5 ml of fungicide in ten liters of water. For treatment, double the application rate. For complete cure, two sprays of the fungicide are required, but a positive effect is achieved even after the first application.
Biological agents
Biological products are based on microorganisms that are natural enemies of harmful insects and fungi that attack vines. Biological products can be used on plants at any stage of the growing season.
Fitosporin
This product is successfully used to combat late blight, root rot, powdery mildew, and other fungal diseases. Fitosporin is based on the artificially bred bacterium Bacillus subtilis. Once introduced to soil or plant tissue, the bacterium begins to actively reproduce. Its metabolic products suppress the development of fungal colonies, helping the plant to eliminate parasites on its own. Using Fitosporin strengthens the grapevine's immune system.
Fitosporin is available commercially as a paste, powder, or suspension. The dosage and method of application depend on the packaging and concentration. For preventative purposes, vines are pollinated every two weeks.
Trichodermin
Trichodermin protects plants from gray mold, powdery mildew, anthracnose, root rot, and other fungal diseases. Trichodermin is derived from the fungus Tricoderma. When applied to a plant, the beneficial fungus begins to actively multiply, simultaneously destroying harmful microorganisms. To prepare a working solution, add 50 ml of concentrate to one bucket of water. For preventative purposes, pollinate the vines every two to three weeks from the beginning of leaf out. Trichodermin is non-toxic to humans, animals, or insects.
Actofit
Actofit is designed to kill harmful insects. It is made from the metabolic products of the soil fungus Streptomyces avermitilis. When ingested by insects through contact or through food, Actofit affects the nervous system, causing paralysis of the digestive and respiratory organs. After application, the product does not accumulate in the environment but quickly decomposes. Actofit is non-toxic to birds, animals, and humans. It is commercially available in 10, 40, 200, and 900 milliliter containers.
To treat vines, dilute 20 ml of Actofit in three liters of water, stir thoroughly, and then add another seven liters of water. To enhance the treatment effect, add ½ teaspoon of baby shampoo per bucket of water. Spray as needed several times throughout the season.
Colloidal sulfur
Colloidal sulfur has been used for many years to kill spider mites and treat powdery mildew and anthracnose. To treat 100 square meters of vineyard, 120 grams of sulfur are diluted in 100 grams of water until smooth. Then, add another liter of water and shake until a suspension forms. The resulting solution is then poured into 14 liters of water and thoroughly mixed. The plantings are treated 4-5 times per season.
Folk remedies
Over the years of grape growing, many folk remedies have been developed to protect vines from diseases and pests. Numerous recipes will help repel diseases and pests from your vineyard:
- To combat aphids, pour a soap or ash solution onto the leaves. To do this, dissolve 300 g of soap or ash in a bucket of water;
- Parsley planted around the perimeter of the garden will protect the vine from phylloxera with its aroma;
- A wormwood decoction will protect the harvest from leaf rollers. Wormwood is boiled in water, then the cooled solution is strained and used to pollinate the leaves;
- For odium. Dissolve 40 grams of washing soda in warm water per bucket, add a spoonful of liquid soap, mix thoroughly, and treat the affected plants with this solution. A soda solution can also be used for disease prevention.
Disease prevention
By following a few simple rules, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing diseases:
- watering must be done directly under the roots of the plant, protecting the leaves from moisture;
- weeds under the bushes are removed, the soil is generously mulched with pine needles, thereby providing ventilation to the root zone of the plantings;
- Regular pruning of plants promotes good ventilation and exposure to light. Sunlight prevents the development of pathogenic fungi, and removing leaves with brown spots prevents the spread of diseases.
- Timely removal of fallen leaves helps get rid of fungal disease spores.
Conclusion
To ensure grapevines delight their owners with bright, healthy leaves and a bountiful harvest, it's important not only to properly shape the crown and feed it, but also to spray it regularly against pests and diseases. A properly cared-for plant is virtually immune to dangerous diseases that can cause irreparable damage to the harvest in a matter of days.
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