Mar 30, 2017

Summer crop protection planning starts now for grape growers

{Sponsored} California’s grape growing season is here — and it’s time to start planning your summer pest protection program.

“Growers are faced with several disease and insect pressures in the summer,” said Leigh Ann Harrison, technical service representative for BASF. “If left unchecked, pests can have a significant impact on crop quality and yield.”

What should you be on the lookout for this season?

“Powdery mildew has always been a primary concern for grape growers in the past, and this year will be no different,” Harrison said. “Due to the rain this winter, some California growers may have been unable to make dormant applications to clean up mildew overwintering structures, so early scouting and action will be important.”

Botrytis, sour rot and mites may also be a concern.

If you’re looking to expand your summer pest protection toolbox, Harrison offered a few suggestions.

Pristine^® fungicide. Pristine is an effectivefungicide because it includes two strong modes of action that provide broad-spectrum protection and long-lasting residual control of grape diseases. For powdery mildew control, many grape growers have seen the greatest benefits by applying Pristine fungicide at bud break prior to the onset of disease, and later prior to bunch closure for protection against Botrytis bunch rot. Applications of Pristine fungicide at these key growth stages can increase overall plant health and growth. Data shows Pristine can result in over an 11% increase in the rate of photosynthesis in wine grapes.

Vivando^® fungicide. Vivando fungicide is a great tool for the growers to have in their toolbox because of its strong protection against powdery mildew. Several fungicide applications are typically required to manage mildew throughout the season, so growers must be diligent about rotating modes of action for resistance management purposes. Vivando fungicide is the only grape fungicide within FRAC U8, which is another reason it’s a strong fit within a rotational program.

Nealta^® miticide. Nealta miticide provides several benefits to grape growers. It provides long-lasting residual activity and is active against all mite life stages, including the eggs. Nealta miticide is a unique mode of action (IRAC 25), and because of its specificity to Tetranychid mites, it is compatible with many beneficial insects.

“Pristine fungicide, Vivando fungicide, and Nealta miticide are all products that can help significantly contribute to the overall quality and crop yield at the end of the season,” Harrison said.

“Nealta miticide can help prevent mite foliar damage from stressing the vines. Growers want to see clean berries at harvest time, and Pristine and Vivando fungicides can provide that protection from powdery mildew and Botrytis bunch rot.”

For more information, visit www.GrowSmartGrapes.com or contact your local BASF representative.

Always read and follow label directions. Pristine, Vivando and Nealta are registered trademarks of BASF.

C. 2017 BASF Corporation