Methods for treating grapes in the fall before covering them for the winter

During the growing season, grapes are exposed to insects and diseases, which leads to reduced yields. To protect them, they are treated in the fall before wintering. Gardeners also use both folk remedies and chemicals. It's important to follow the recommended spray dosage and exercise caution when using chemicals.

Pruning the vineyard

Before the event autumn processing of grapes To prevent diseases and pests, it's necessary to prune the bush. This should be done after the harvest and the leaves have fallen. Grape pruning can be divided into three types:

1. Standardless bush formationPruning is done two weeks after all the leaves have fallen, but before temperatures drop to three degrees Celsius. The best time to do this is late October to early November. Standardless pruning varies by the length of the pruned vine, measured by the remaining buds. The main goal of this type of pruning is to form four branches that will become branches.
2. Pruning for fruitingIt is carried out annually starting from the fifth year of the grapes’ life.
3. Standard formationWork begins in early September. Young branches on older branches are removed down to the first wire. Side shoots are cut off. In mid-October, branches are cut back to the level of the first two wires. Symmetrically, 5-12 fruiting shoots are cut off.

Methods for spraying

For treating grapes in autumn against diseases and pests Modern drugs are used. Three groups of substances are distinguished.

First Insecticides. These are used to control leaf-eating pests and insects. These products can be contact or systemic. The first type has a direct effect, killing the pest and its offspring. The second type penetrates deep into the grapevine and attacks the pest as it begins to feed on the grapes.

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Second group — Acaricides. These products are used to kill spider mites and plant-eating mites. Contact products have a direct effect on mites and larvae. All parts of the plant are thoroughly treated with the product. Systemic acaricides penetrate the grapevine tissue and are distributed throughout the plant. This option has a rapid effect.

The third group — Fungicides. These are specialized preparations used to combat fungus. They are classified as protective and curative. The former is used for prevention, while the latter is used to treat diseased grapevines.

Based on their mode of action, treatments are classified as contact and systemic. The first type penetrates deep into the tissue and forms a protective film. Fungi that come into contact with this protective film are killed. Systemic treatments quickly penetrate deep into the tissue, moving throughout the grapes. The results of treatment are visible within the first day.

Treatment with chemicals

Carry out processing grapes before covering for the winter This is essential, even if there is no damage. A 1% Bordeaux mixture is used to treat grapes. It is made from 9 liters of water and 100 g of copper sulfate. Separately, 100-150 g of slaked lime and 1 liter of water are mixed. The diluted copper sulfate is slowly poured into the container with the slaked lime and mixed thoroughly. Start spraying the vineyard It is necessary from below. The drug is toxic, so protective clothing is used.

You can also treat the vineyard with iron sulfate.To prepare the mixture, use a 10-liter container and 30 grams of the product. Do not increase the dosage yourself, as this may damage the shrub's leaves. Ferrous sulfate is excellent for controlling moss and lichen on vineyard bark.

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Experienced gardeners treat grapes with copper sulfate in the fall to protect the vineyard from pests. To prepare the mixture, use 100 g of the product and 400 ml of water. Mix thoroughly and pour into a deep container, where it is diluted with water. Use the mixture immediately. If left untreated, the copper sulfate will lose its medicinal properties.

Urea (carbamide) can be used to control pests. It is also used as a nitrogen fertilizer. For the mixture, take 30 grams of the product and 10 liters of water. Spray before covering the vineyard for the winter. The solution prevents root rot and combats leaf rollers and phylloxera. Spray 1.5 months before the first frost. A film forms on the vineyard bark that kills pests. Its effectiveness lasts up to two weeks. Wear rubber gloves when handling the product. Smoking and eating are not recommended during this time.

Folk remedies

To spray the vineyard, we use household products. For example, baking soda is used to combat pests. For the solution you will need:

1. Five liters of water.
2. Five tablespoons of baking soda and liquid soap.
3. Vegetable oil - 75 ml.

This mixture is applied to the vineyard during dry weather. Do not exceed the recommended dosage, as this can lead to soil alkalization. To combat powdery mildew, a solution of 5 grams of potassium permanganate in a bucket of water can be used. This mixture prevents rot and powdery mildew and acts as a foliar fertilizer. Do not exceed the recommended dosage, as it can reduce soil fertility.

You can use freshly cut grass, placing it in a pile. Gray mold should appear in the center. Collect the grass and place it in water, stir, and strain. Use the resulting liquid for spraying.

There's a folk remedy for spider mite control. Take 2 kg of green potato tops and add 10 liters of hot water. Let the solution steep, then spray it on your vineyard.

You can protect your vineyard from pests with a solution of onion peels. To do this, fill half a bucket of onion peels with water and boil for 20 minutes. Let it steep for 24 hours. Add water to make 10 liters, add 20 grams of honey, and strain the solution. You can then spray your crops with it.

Tips from gardeners

• Spray and the vineyard needs to be pruned immediately after harvesting, especially if the variety is early. Don't wait until the end of November, as this can cause some diseases may develop.
• Pay attention to the sprayer as well. It should have a sealed pump and a good nozzle.
• Preventative maintenance is necessary every year. Fertilize the vine only according to schedule, even if it's bearing fruit well.
• Avoid cutting off the tops of the shoots. This will cause the shoots to rot, and the plant won't be able to rest during the winter. Root pruning (cutting off the surface roots) is essential, especially for young plants.