| Protecting your vineyard grapes from the | | | | expert advice if you suspect an insect problem. Many |
| environment is a challenge that takes some cunning. | | | | experts recommend treatment only when the |
| Throughout the growing season you will want to | | | | infestation is severe. Vines can often withstand mild |
| ensure that your grapes are protected from disease | | | | infestations. |
| as well as from pests like birds and insects, but also | | | | Animal Pest Control |
| deer and other large grazing animals that may roam | | | | Perhaps the most serious threat for most grape |
| free where you live. | | | | growers are the birds. A flock of birds can wreak |
| Fungus and Disease | | | | serious havoc on the small harvest of a hobbyist's |
| There are several diseases that can harm the grapes | | | | vineyard. The best protection against damage from |
| in your vineyard. Some common ones are mildew, | | | | birds is a physical barrier between the crop and the |
| fungus and black rot, all forms of fungus and so | | | | outside world. Netting will let in light and moisture, and |
| fungicide is the most common cure. However the | | | | allow the air to circulate around the grapes while |
| right cure is necessary for the right disease. Most | | | | protecting them from birds and other animals. |
| disease is recognized by its effect on the vine leaves. | | | | Because of the way vines tend to grow along a |
| Examine the plants in your vineyard regularly and | | | | trellis, it is a relatively easy project to install nets to |
| once grapes are visible, inspect those too for signs | | | | protect your grapes. Make sure the nets are high |
| of decay. For example, small yellow spots with dark | | | | enough that the birds can't get to the grapes if the |
| brown centers could be signs of phomopsis cane. | | | | net sags in the wind or rain. Remember it's not just |
| Generally, leaf discoloration, or spots on the leaves | | | | grape eating birds that will flock to your vineyard but |
| are signs of problems. You might also see a film over | | | | also birds in search of the insects that they might |
| the leaf or the berries may show signs of rotting | | | | find there, so keeping your grapes insect free will |
| before they are ripened. | | | | also help to keep away the birds. |
| Insect Pest Control | | | | Other ideas include visual repellants, such as artificial |
| Some of the most common insects that affect | | | | hawks, scarecrows and shiny aluminum pie pans but |
| vineyards and threaten your grape production are | | | | none of these protect your vineyard as well as a |
| moths, leafhoppers and beetles. The Berry Moth lays | | | | physical barrier. |
| its eggs directly on the grapes. The young larvae eat | | | | For deer and other grazers, the best protection is |
| their way through the center of your grapes, leaving | | | | the use of odor repellents. Deer will graze on the |
| tell-tale holes. Leafhoppers tend to accumulate on the | | | | vines themselves, the leaves and the grapes. They |
| underside of the vine leaf. Leafhoppers don't do that | | | | can devastate your crop if they are present in the |
| much damage unless they become densely populated | | | | area where you live. Hunting stores may be able to |
| and then they can damage the crop. Rose chafers | | | | supply coyote scented products (coyotes hunt deer). |
| and Japanese beetles feed on the grape clusters as | | | | Human scented products are also effective. |
| they mature on the vine. | | | | Once your vineyard is underway, keep your eyes |
| You need to be as careful with your remedies as | | | | open and your nose to the ground to spot unwanted |
| you are in detecting problems with your vineyard | | | | pests and deal with them immediately to protect |
| grapes, since grape growing is a delicate art. Seek | | | | your grape crop. |