E x t e n s i o n B u l l e t i n E - 2 6 9 8 • N e w, A p r i l 1 9 9 9

Pest Control
i n S m a l l Vi n e ya r d s

Thomas J. Zabadal
Department of Horticulture
Michigan State University
Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center

MICHIGAN STATE
U N I V E R S I T Y

EXTENSION
Fig. 1. Powdery mildew on the upper surface of a young Concord leaf Fig. 2. Powdery mildew in an advanced stage of infection of a
as indicated by the sooty, grayish-white lesions. Concord grape leaf, becoming very whitish and causing a darkening
of the leaf surface.

Fig. 3. Downy mildew symptoms on the upper side of a Niagara leaf. Fig. 4. Downy mildew on the underside of a Niagara leaf with its
characteristic cottony white mass of sporulation.

Fig. 5. Downy mildew late in the growing season on a Niagara leaf

Fig. 6. A greatly enlarged black rot lesion on a Concord leaf with small
with angular yellow-brown areas concentrated somewhat along the
black fruiting bodies apparent around the periphery of the infection.
main veins of the leaf.
 Pest Control
i n S m a l l Vi n e ya r d s

Thomas J. Zabadal
Department of Horticulture
Michigan State University
Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center

MICHIGAN STATE
U N I V E R S I T Y

EXTENSION
Preface Acknowledgments
Pest control information for small vineyards is a difficult Thanks to Dr. Mike Ellis, Dr. Ron Perry, Lynnae Jess,
topic because of the limited choice of materials available Dr. Erwin Elsner, Robert Tritten and Al Lange for
to non-commercial growers. Moreover, the cost of reviewing various stages of this manuscript. Dr. Roger
several products is prohibitively high for small vineyards, Williams provided the color photo of the rose chafer.
and frequent changes occur in pesticide registration of Thanks to Diane Dings for preparation of the color
materials approved for use on grapevines. Despite these plates, and a very special thanks to Diane for preparation
limitations, this publication provides specific choices for of the numerous drafts of this manuscript.
controlling diseases and insects in small vineyards. It is
intended for use in temperate-climate vineyards. This
publication is revised periodically. Nevertheless, no
guarantee can be made regarding the current status of
this information, so it is presented with this disclaimer:

ALL PESTICIDE INFORMATION IN THIS

PUBLICATION IS FOR GENERAL REFERENCE
ONLY - NO EXPLICIT RECOMMENDATION FOR
USE IS INTENDED OR IMPLIED. ANY USE OF
PRODUCTS MENTIONED IN THIS
PUBLICATION SHOULD FIRST BE CHECKED
FOR CURRENT REGISTRATION STATUS AND
POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE SPRAY PROGRAMS
WITH THE LOCAL COUNTY EXTENSION
OFFICE. THE MENTION OF PRODUCTS IN THIS
PUBLICATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN
National Pesticide
ENDORSEMENT OF THOSE PRODUCTS BY Telecommunications Network
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY OR BIAS Provides advice on recognizing and managing
AGAINST THOSE NOT MENTIONED. pesticide poisoning, toxicology, general pesticide
Pesticides vary greatly in their toxicity to humans. All of information and emergency response assistance.
the pesticides mentioned in this publication are rated as Funded by EPA, based at Oregon State University.
slightly toxic or relatively non-toxic to humans. They are 7 days a week; excluding holidays
approved for use according to directions on their labels
6:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time Zone
by all individuals.
1-800-858-7378
FAX: 1-541-737-0761

2
 Table of Contents

Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Identification of Common Pests

in Small Vineyards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Common Diseases. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Common Insects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Pest Control Strategies for Small Vineyards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Insect Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Disease Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Choosing fungicides for backyard plantings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Option 1 - Off-the-shelf Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Option 2 - Low-Cost Tank Mixes with Sulfur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Option 3 - Higher Cost Tank Mixes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Choosing fungicides for small vineyards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Option 1 - Low-cost Tank Mix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Option 2 - Higher Cost Tank Mixes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Option 3 - High-cost Spray Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Option 4 - Copper and Lime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Application of Fungicides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Early-season Applications for All Vineyards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Table Grape Vineyards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Wine or Juice Grape Vineyards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Cultural Practices to Control Grape Diseases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

3
 Pest Control
in Small Vineyards
Thomas J. Zabadal
Department of Horticulture
Michigan State University
Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center

Introduction Identification of Common

Pests in Small Vineyards
A grape pest is anything destructive to grapes or
grapevines. Pests include insects, diseases, birds and
Control of the common pests attacking vines begins
deer. This publication focuses on control of the principal
with their identification. Four insect pests and five
insects and diseases affecting grapevines in small
diseases commonly attack small vineyards in a temperate
temperate-climate vineyards. The goal is to help growers
climate.
identify the common pests of grapevines in small
temperate-climate vineyards, choose effective control
measures for those pests and apply those control
measures in a timely manner. Common Diseases
Numerous disease and insect pests can attack grapevines. Powdery mildew — This disease is caused by a fungus
Commercial grape growers often need to consult that attacks all green tissues on the vine. It often appears
comprehensive reference materials on these pests as a grayish white film on the surface of infected tissues.
(Pearson and Goheen, 1988; Williams et al., 1986). On leaves, it most often occurs on the upper surfaces
Fortunately, many grape pests occur only occasionally. (Fig. 1), but it can also occur on the undersides. Leaves
Therefore, growers of small vineyards often need to be are discolored and darken as the disease progresses
concerned about only a relative few insects and diseases (Fig. 2). Infected green shoots develop a blotchy, dark
that commonly threaten the productivity of their vines. discoloration, which is apparent on canes when the vines
This publication targets those common pests. Assistance become dormant. If powdery mildew is not controlled
with the multitude of less common pests should be on grapevines, it can directly attack young berries,
obtained from the local Extension office. causing them to crack and rot. It can also reduce the
hardiness of vines, making them more susceptible to
winter injury.

Downy mildew — This disease can also infect all green

tissues on the vine. On leaves, infection first appears as
yellow, angular, blotchy areas on the upper surface
(Fig. 3). Cottony white masses of spores soon develop
on the lower surface of the leaf directly below the yellow
See inside front and back covers for Figures 1-13. spots (Fig. 4). The fungus that causes this disease

4
requires free water to infect vines. Therefore, it is Common Insects
especially prevalent during rainy periods and in the latter
part of the growing season, when heavy dews remain on Grape berry moth — This moth directly attacks grape
vine tissues. During hot, dry weather, the cottony white berries by laying eggs on their surface. Eggs hatch into
masses of spores (Fig. 4) often dry up and disappear, worm-like larvae (Fig. 10), which bore into the berries.
thus making identification of this disease somewhat Small holes and webbing between berries indicate the
difficult. In the latter part of the growing season, presence of this pest. Three or more generations of this
infected leaves develop angular, brownish yellow areas insect can occur during a single growing season. If early
on the upper surfaces that tend to be concentrated infestations are not controlled, later generations can
along the main veins of the leaf (Fig. 5). When this cause severe crop loss, either directly or by promoting
disease is not controlled, it can directly attack the fruit an increase in fruit rot infections. Many vineyards will be
of some varieties and severely defoliate vines. Premature untouched by this pest; however, where it occurs, it can
defoliation can lead to a dramatic reduction in both destroy the entire crop.
grape maturity and the winter hardiness of vines.
Grape leafhoppers — These insects feed on the
Black rot — This is a major fungus disease of undersides of leaves. As they feed, they create a mottled
grapevines in temperate climates. It also requires water pattern of dying leaf tissue (Fig. 11). If leafhopper
on the tissues for infection. Lesions caused by black rot populations are very high, this damage can render the
on the upper surfaces of grape leaves appear as tan to entire leaf non-functional. However, slight to moderate
orange spots (Fig. 6). These leaf spots contain small, populations of this insect are usually only a nuisance and
blackish fruiting bodies around the periphery of the do not significantly influence vine performance. A
threshold for control of this insect has been estimated to
lesions (Fig. 6). These small, black fruiting bodies
be approximately five leafhoppers per leaf. This means
confirm that the leaf spot was caused by black rot. When
that if leafhopper populations remain below five per leaf,
black rot directly attacks grapes, it first turns green
no control is required.
berries a caramel color. Then the berries quickly shrivel
into dark, blackish mummies (Fig. 7). Fruiting bodies, Japanese beetle — This insect pest continues to expand
which produce spores to spread this disease, can be its geographic distribution in the eastern United States.
readily seen on the surface of these shriveled berries Where this insect occurs on grapes, it can severely
(Fig. 7). defoliate a vine (Fig. 12) and reduce its productivity.
When 15 to 25 percent of the leaf area is affected by this
Phomopsis cane and leaf spot — This disease is easily
pest, control measures should be undertaken.
identified by lesions on canes near their bases (Fig. 8).
Where these are found, pinpoint lesions on the first Rose chafer — This large, tan-colored beetle (Fig. 13)
three or four leaves of shoots are also likely to occur. is often associated with light, sandy soils. It emerges
Severe infections can also cause fruit loss. In many from the soil in late May to early June; emergence often
vineyards, however, this disease is not nearly as coincides with the time of grape bloom. It will feed
damaging as powdery mildew, downy mildew and black directly on grape clusters and can greatly reduce crop
rot. size. Spraying is warranted whenever more than two
beetles per vine are found. Pheromone trapping has also
Botrytis bunch rot — Several fungi can cause fruit rot been used to control this insect. Of those insecticides
on grapevines in temperate-climate vineyards. The most available to non-commercial growers, Sevin (carbaryl) is
common of these is Botrytis (Fig. 9). Botrytis bunch rot rated as the most effective insecticide for this pest.
most commonly occurs on tight-clustered varieties. It
begins with the decay of individual berries, which take Growers of small vineyards should watch or “scout” for
on a tan color and often have fuzzy, brown fruiting these pests. Their presence may signal the need for
bodies protruding from the surface. This fungus can control measures. When pest problems other than those
quickly spread to adjacent berries and so consume a described above become significant in a small vineyard, a
large portion of the cluster in just a few days. local Extension office can often provide the necessary
diagnostic services and consultation.

5
Pest Control Strategies Disease Control
for Small Vineyards Disease control in grapevines differs from most insect
control because fungicides are typically applied as a
preventive strategy before diseases become apparent in
Insect Control the vineyard. Early-season disease infections are a
major cause of more serious infections later in the
Grapevines can frequently tolerate low to moderate
growing season. Therefore, good grapevine disease
levels of insect damage. In most situations, it becomes
control begins by controlling early-season infections.
necessary to control insects only when they threaten
either a significant portion of the leaf area of vines or Fungicides are approved and labeled for use on
the fruit itself. grapevines by the Environmental Protection Agency
according to their control of specific diseases.
Control of most insects requires observing or
Unfortunately, product labels can at times mislead
“scouting” the vines periodically. If a major infestation
growers in their choice of appropriate fungicides to
of insects such as leafhoppers or Japanese beetles occurs,
control specific grape diseases. First, products will always
choose an appropriate insecticide (Table 1) and make an
be effective but not necessarily highly effective against
application.
all diseases listed on a product label. Secondly, at the
Grape berry moth is an exception to this strategy. time a fungicide was registered for use on grapevines, it
Because this pest directly attacks the fruit, considerable may not have been tested against all grapevine diseases.
fruit may be lost by the time the problem is discovered. Therefore, products may be effective against diseases
Many small vineyards are not attacked by this insect. not listed on the label. Independent testing of
Unfortunately, however, vineyards severely infested with fungicides by many plant pathologists at several
berry moth are often not identified until after the pest universities provides an unbiased understanding of the
has severely damaged the crop. Such situations signal effectiveness of many fungicides against all of the major
the need for preventive control of this pest in future grape diseases (Table 2). That information can be used
years. When such a need arises, choose an appropriate by a grower to determine the efficacy of a specific
insecticide (Table 1) and begin applications at the end product against specific grape diseases.
of bloom. Label directions may indicate the frequency
Because captan is a common fungicide used in products
of subsequent applications. The basic strategy is to have
formulated for homeowner use on grapevines, we'll use
insecticide residue on berry surfaces as soon as the
this fungicide to illustrate the above points. Several
young berries form. These protective residues kill the
products contain captan as the only fungicide in their
larvae emerging from eggs on the berry surfaces. If the
product mix (Table 1). These products indicate on their
first generation (called first brood) is controlled, second
label that they will control black rot, and sometimes
and third generations will be much less severe.
they also list downy mildew, Phomopsis cane and leaf
Weather greatly influences the emergence of this pest. In spot, or Botrytis bunch rot. However, the fungicide
some grape-growing regions, Extension agents monitor captan is only slightly effective for controlling black rot
berry moth emergence and give recommendations on and Botrytis rot; it is highly effective against Phomopsis
when to spray. When this information is not available, cane and leaf spot and downy mildew (Table 2).
the traditional times of berry moth spray applications are Therefore, a grower using these products may be
the first spray at the end of grape bloom, a second spray disappointed in their control of black rot and Botrytis
7 to 10 days later and a third spray at the end of July rot, even though they may be listed on the label, but
(Brann and Arneson, 1973). unexpectedly pleased with their control of Phomopsis
cane and leaf spot and downy mildew, which may not be
listed on the label. All pesticides must be applied only
for control of those diseases and insects listed on their
label. However, it is perfectly acceptable to benefit from

6
the control of unlabeled diseases while making Immunox with a home garden spray containing captan
applications to control a labeled disease. Therefore, the will give good control of all three of the major diseases
information on fungicide efficacy in Table 2 can be very of grapevines.
helpful for choosing products that are highly effective in
controlling diseases of importance in a particular
vineyard.
Choosing Fungicides for Small Vineyards
Growers with more than a dozen grapevines will often
Choosing Fungicides find it cost effective to purchase fungicides and
insecticides in small commercial containers and then
for Backyard Plantings
make their own tank mixes. Follow all label instructions
Option 1 - Off-the-shelf Products to store these materials in dry, cool places. When using
this approach, it may be helpful to obtain a commercial
Home garden formulations of pesticides found in guide for the control of grape pests. These are available
hardware stores, home improvement centers, etc., are from Michigan Extension (Jones et al., 1999) and
the most realistic approach to a fungicide spray program Extension offices in many other states.
for a very small vineyard of a half dozen or so vines.
Products approved for use in Michigan are listed in Option 1 - Low-cost Tank Mix
Table 1. Compare the fungicides in these products
(Table 1) to the efficacy of those fungicides to control Mancozeb (trade names include Penncozeb, Manzate
specific diseases (Table 2) to determine how well a and Dithane) or Ziram to control black rot and downy
product is likely to control specific diseases. Please note mildew can be mixed with wettable sulfur to control
that no single fungicide is highly effective against the powdery mildew (Table 2) for an effective, relatively
five grapevine diseases listed in Table 2. Therefore, tank low-cost spray program.
mixes of two products will often be needed to ensure
broad-spectrum grapevine disease control. Two tablespoons of mancozeb or Ziram and 2
tablespoons of wettable sulfur per gallon of water make
a suitable spray mixture. When making applications,
Option 2 - Low-Cost Tank Mixes with Sulfur
attempt to cover vine tissues thoroughly.
If control of powdery mildew is important for the
varieties being grown, the lowest cost approach for Option 2 - Higher Cost Tank Mixes
controlling this disease is to add wettable spray sulfur to
home fruit or orchard formulations. Sulfur, however, When the cost can be justified, fungicides more
may burn the leaves of some grape varieties. Sulfur- expensive than sulfur can provide better, longer lasting
sensitive varieties include Chancellor, Concord, control of powdery mildew. These are called sterol
Concord Seedless, DeChaunac, Foch, Ives, New York inhibiting (SI) fungicides, and trade names include
Muscat, Price, Rougeon, Seneca, Suffolk Red and Van Bayleton, Rubigan and Nova. Because they do not
Buren (Jones et al., 1999; Reisch et al., 1993). Stop control downy mildew, tank mix them with materials
using wettable sulfur if leaf burning occurs. such as captan, mancozeb or Ziram (Table 2) to control
downy mildew.
Option 3 - Higher Cost Tank Mixes These materials are used at relatively low rates, such as
ounces per acre. Therefore, the cost per application to a
Immunox (Table 1) has recently become available to
small vineyard is not large, but the initial purchase price
home gardeners. Although more costly than traditional
of the product might prohibit their use in small
home orchard sprays, it is very effective against powdery
plantings. For example, the smallest container of Nova
mildew and black rot (Table 2). The active ingredient of
fungicide available is 20 ounces, and the suggested retail
Immunox is myclobutanil (Nova) fungicide, which does
price is approximately $77. Read the label to determine
not control downy mildew (Table 2). Therefore, mixing

7
Table 1. Home garden pesticide products that are approved for use on grapevines in Michigan, the companies selling
these products, their active ingredients and the pests labeled for control.

Product Company Active Grape diseases/insects listed to be

name name ingredients controlled according to product label

Diazinon Ultra Ortho-Solaris Diazinon Grape berry moth

Diazinon Spectracide Diazinon Grape berry moth

Sevin (liquid Ortho-Solaris Sevin Leafhoppers, Japanese beetles

concentrate) Spectracide Sevin Leafhoppers, Japanese beetles

Malathion Ortho-Solaris Malathion Leafhoppers, Japanese beetles

Home Orchard Ortho-Solaris Captan Grape berry moth, leafhoppers,

Spray Malathion Japanese beetles, black rot,
Methoxychlor Phomopsis cane and leaf spot
(dead arm)

Fruit Guard Security Captan Grape berry moth, leafhoppers,

Malathion black rot

Immunox Spectracide Nova Black rot, powdery mildew

(myolobutanil)

Liquid Fruit Dragon Captan Flea beetles, Japanese beetles,

Tree Spray Acme Malathion rose chafers, grape berry moth,
Rockland Methoxychlor leafhopper, black rot, downy
Carbaryl (Sevin) mildew, Botrytis rot

Home Orchard Stark Captan Flea beetles, Japanese beetles,

Malathion rose chafers, grape berry moth,
Methoxychlor leafhopper, black rot, downy
Carbaryl (Sevin) mildew, Botrytis rot

Bordeaux Mix Dragon Basic copper Black rot

sulfate

Garden Dust Bonide Pyrethrins Japanese beetles, rose chafers,

Rotenone black rot, powdery mildew
Sulfur
Basic copper
sulfate

Copper Dragon Dragon Carbaryl (Sevin) Leafhoppers, Japanese beetles,

Tomato & Copper grape berry moth, black rot,
Vegetable Dust downy mildew, powdery mildew

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 Table 2. Effectiveness of fungicides for the control of grape diseases.1

Phomopsis
cane and Black Downy Powdery Botrytis
Fungicide leaf spot rot mildew mildew rot

Abound ++ +++ +++ +++ 0

Bayleton 0 +++ 0 +++ 0
Benlate ++ + 0 +++ ++
Captan +++ + +++ 0 +
Ferbam + +++ + 0 0
Fixed Copper and Lime + + +++ ++ +
Mancozeb +++ +++ +++ 0 0
Nova 0 +++ 0 +++ 0
Ridomil Gold/Copper + + +++ ++ +
Ridomil Gold MZ 72 0 + +++ 0 0
Rovral 0 0 0 0 +++
Rubigan 0 ++ 0 +++ 0
Sulfur + 0 0 +++ 0
Ziram ++ +++ ++ 0 0

+++ = highly effective, ++ = moderately effective, + = slightly effective, 0 = not effective.

1This table adapted with permission from “IPM Disease Management Guidelines for Grapes in Ohio” by M. A. Ellis.

the use rates for these materials. For example, Nova is approximately $260 per gallon. A 12 oz/100
registered at the rate of 3 to 5 ounces/acre. This rate is gallon/acre concentration translates to approximately
usually dissolved in up to 100 gallons of water for a 3
⁄ teaspoon per gallon for spraying a small vineyard.
4

commercial application. A concentration of 4 oz/100 Therefore, a gallon of Abound will last a small grower a
gallons translates to 0.04 oz or 1.1 g per gallon. One very long time!
teaspoon of Nova weighs approximately 1.2 grams, so
1 teaspoon of Nova per gallon provides the appropriate
concentration for spraying a small vineyard. Option 4 - Copper and Lime
Various forms of copper fungicides can be used with
Option 3 - High-cost Spray Program spray lime to control several grape diseases. This tank
mix is often considered “organic”, so some find it
Abound, a relatively new fungicide, is effective against
desirable to use for that reason. There are drawbacks to
all major grape diseases except Botrytis (Table 2). It is
the use of copper fungicides, however, which a grower
used at a relatively low rate — 12 fluid ounces per acre
should be aware of. Foremost among these limitations is
— so it is ideal for minimizing visible residues on berry
efficacy. Copper is only slightly to moderately effective
surfaces, which is especially important for table grapes.
against certain diseases (Table 2). Secondly, lime is often
The deterrent to the use of this product in a small
recommended to be used with copper fungicides as a
vineyard is the initial container price, which is
safening agent to prevent copper from burning grape

9
leaves, but the combination of copper and lime is before harvest one must stop using a specific product. If
difficult to keep in suspension and spray through the more than a two-week period is anticipated between the
nozzles of small sprayers. Nevertheless, with extra effort, end of the harvest and a killing frost, postharvest
this ages-old approach to grape disease control can fungicide applications can help reduce disease carryover
produce satisfactory results. Rates of various copper for the next growing season. Avoid use of wettable
fungicide products for small vineyards should be sulfur when air temperatures exceed 85 degrees F. If leaf
calculated from their labels. burning occurs with sulfur, discontinue its use. Note:
sulfur is not highly toxic to humans, but it will burn if
improper use brings it in contact with eyes.
Application of Fungicides
The size and type of pesticide sprayer is a personal Cultural Practices to Control
choice. It is important to know that many pesticides are
Grape Diseases
suspensions — they do not dissolve in water. Therefore,
spray mixtures must be frequently agitated. Follow all Good pest control in grapevines involves more than the
label directions for safe handling and use of these use of pesticides. Several vine cultural practices should
materials. be used in conjunction with pesticides to control insect
and disease problems on grapevines. Grape diseases are
Early-season Applications for All Vineyards often promoted by high humidity or water sitting on
vine tissues. Therefore, vine management that promotes
Begin spraying when shoots average 5 inches in length. faster drying will decrease disease incidence. Sloping
If Phomopsis cane and leaf spot is severe, begin when ground promotes airflow through the vineyard; trees or
shoots are 1 inch long. Repeat sprays at 10-day intervals other structures inhibit airflow, block sunlight, slow
until the start of bloom. Make a special effort to apply drying conditions and promote disease. Therefore,
sprays so they will dry on the vine in advance of rainy practice good vineyard site selection (Zabadal and
periods. Apply a prebloom spray at the first sign of Andresen, 1997) and vineyard development (Zabadal,
florets opening. Apply a postbloom spray when 90 1997a). Choose vine training systems for table grapes
percent of the florets are open or 7 days after the (Zabadal, 1998) or wine grapes (Zabadal, 1997b) to
prebloom spray, whichever comes first. provide open vine canopies. Use canopy management
practices including shoot positioning, leaf removal and
Table Grape Vineyards summer pruning to keep vines open to sunlight and
airflow. A grapevine with shaded leaves turning yellow
When using wettable powder formulations of products and falling off during the growing season indicates
such as mancozeb, captan, Ziram and sulfur to spray inadequate vine training, canopy management or both.
table grapes, the first postbloom spray at 90 percent Vineyard floor management, both under the trellis and
flowering will end your fungicide spray program for the in row middles, should minimize weed growth, which
season. Using these materials after bloom may cause can inhibit airflow through the vineyards. Sanitation of
visible spray residue problems at harvest. Sterol the vineyard floor in the fall can reduce the carryover of
inhibitors used alone (see option 2) or Abound (see both insect populations and diseases from one year to
option 3) can be used throughout the growing season another. In small plantings, removing and burying or
without causing visible residue problems on table burning leaf and berry litter under the trellis can reduce
grapes. the incidence of Phomopsis, downy mildew, black rot
and grape berry moth in the following year. Good
Wine or Juice Grape Vineyards pruning practices to reduce the amount of old wood on
vines can reduce the source of spores of powdery
Grapes grown for pressing into juice or wine should be mildew and Phomopsis cane and leaf spot.
sprayed at 10- to 14-day intervals through the growing
season. Product labels will indicate how many days

10
Future grape varieties with a high level of disease Zabadal, T.J. 1997a. Vineyard Establishment II -
resistance may one day be the key to grape production Planting and Early Care of Vineyards. Ext. bull. E-2645.
in a temperate climate. The present varieties of choice, E. Lansing, Mich.: Michigan State Univ.
however, often require a combination of good cultural
practices and pesticide use to ensure the production of Zabadal, T.J. 1997b. Vine Training Systems for Wine
grapes with acceptable quality and yield. Grape Production in Cool Climates. SWMREC report
10. Benton Harbor, Mich.: Michigan State Univ.

Zabadal, T.J., and J.A. Andresen. 1997. Vineyard

Establishment I - Preplant Decisions. Ext. bull. E-2644.
E. Lansing, Mich.: Michigan State Univ.

Zabadal, T.J., G.S. Howell and D.P. Miller. 1997. Table

Additional Information Grape Varieties for Michigan. Ext. bull. E-2642.
E. Lansing, Mich.: Michigan State Univ.
Brann, J.L., and P.A. Arneson. 1973. Insects and
Zabadal, T.J. 1998. Cultural Practices for Table Grapes.
Diseases of Grapes. Ext. bull. 1095. Ithaca, N.Y.:
SWMREC report 3. Benton Harbor, Mich.: Michigan
Cornell Univ.
State Univ.
Ellis, M.A. 1994. Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Disease Management Guidelines for Grapes in Ohio.
Plant Pathology Department Series 96. Wooster, Ohio.:
Ohio Ag Res. & Dev. Center.

Funt, R.C., M.A. Ellis and C. Welty (eds.). 1997.

Midwest Small Fruit Management Handbook. Ext. bull.
861. Columbus, Ohio: Ohio State Univ.

Howell, G.S., D.P. Miller and T.J. Zabadal. 1998. Wine

Grape Varieties for Michigan. Ext. bull. E-2643.
E. Lansing, Mich.: Michigan State Univ.

Jones, A.L., L. Gut and J. Wise (eds.). 1999. Fruit

Spraying Calendar. Ext. bull. E-154. E. Lansing, Mich.:
Michigan State Univ.

Pearson, R.C., and A.C. Goheen (eds.). 1988.

Compendium of Grape Diseases. St. Paul, Minn.:
American Phytopathological Society.

Pool, R.M. (ed.). 1995. Proceedings of the Organic

Grape and Wine Products Symposium. Special report
69. Geneva, N.Y.: N.Y.S. Ag. Exp. Sta.

Reisch, B.I., D.J. Peterson, R.M. Pool and M.H.

Martens. 1993. Table Grape Varieties for Cool Climates.
Information bull. 234. Ithaca, N.Y.: Cornell Univ.

Williams, R.N., D.M. Pavuk and R.W. Rings. 1986.

Insect and Mite Pests of Grapes in Ohio. Res. bull. 730.
Wooster, Ohio: Ohio Ag. Res. & Dev. Center.

11
Fig. 7. Black rot on Concord berries showing the characteristic Fig. 8. Phomopsis cane and leaf spot lesions on an internode of
shriveling of the berry and the numerous fruiting bodies on the berry a Concord cane.
surface, which provide a source of spores for infection of other tissues.

Fig. 10. Grape berry moth damage on Fig. 11. Grape leafhopper damage on a Concord leaf with one
a Concord grape cluster. Immature leafhopper apparent on the lower left portion of the leaf.
berries held tightly against each other
Fig. 9. Botrytis bunch rot on an indicate the presence of this pest.
Aurore cluster with its characteristic A grape berry moth larva has been
caramel-colored sporulation. placed on the surface of a healthy
berry at the top of the picture.

Fig. 12. Japanese beetles feeding on leaves of the Merlot variety. Fig. 13. Rose chafer.
 Other Extension Bulletins in this series:
E-2642, Table Grape Varieties for Michigan
E-2643, Wine Grape Varieties for Michigan
E-2644, Vineyard Establishment I: Preplant Decisions
E-2645, Vineyard Establishment II: Planting and Early Care of Vineyards

For copies of these titles or a catalog of available publications, contact your county Michigan Extension office
(listed under GOVERNMENT in the white pages of your phone book) or the MSU Bulletin Office,
10-B Agriculture Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1039 (fax: 517-353-7168).

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