February, 2006 - Kinkead Ridge Vineyard Spray Program

This is the seventh iteration of the Ohio version of a spray program developed over a period of eight years in Oregon. The program has been changed to respond to the generally higher disease pressure and multiplicity of disease types encountered in Southern Ohio. 

Every year is different in this business. Last summer was notable for its heat, humidity and dryness punctuated by wide-spaced heavy rains. The roller coaster weather combined with a late bloom extended the season and added to vine stress. Except for late season botrytis, disease pressure was light and no foliar disease symptoms were in evidence.

Elite, Pristine and Dithane (Manzate) continue to be the mainstays of this program. I cut copper back to one last spray in order to work Pristine into the late season mix. This seems to have had some beneficial effect on fruit rot. Fungicide chemistry is alternated as much as possible to minimize the risk of the development of resistance.

Last year, due to the extended season, I had to use a botrytis spray (Elevate) for the first time. It appeared to work more or less and may be necessary in the future on an as needed basis.

Now, a few comments are in order: First, realize that this program addresses the growing of vinifera, not hybrids, which are generally more disease resistant. My site is planted at moderate to high density (7-1/2 ft. rows) and shows low to moderate disease pressure. If your site characteristics are similar and you achieve good spray coverage, then your results should be satisfactory. You may note that I reference an air blast sprayer in the program. While I realize that these are not cheap, I know of no inexpensive way to get the coverage necessary to keep a mature vinifera vineyard clean under adverse weather conditions in Southern Ohio. Finally, good cultural practices such as shoot positioning and leaf removal in the fruit zone greatly aid in disease control.

Insecticides are needed to control Grape Berry Moth (GBM)  and Japanese Beetle, as well as other pests. Scouting to identify target populations is useful in order to determine spray timing. I use Malathion 5EC tank mixed with the May 31st and June 16th fungicide sprays.  I use Sevin XLR Plus on August 8^th for GBM and as required for Japanese beetles. Neither of these products are restricted use.  

2006 Spray Program Schedule (19 weeks)

Total fungicide program cost $171/ac.

Note: Magnesium Sulfate has apparently solved my deficiency caused fruit rot problem and improved overall vine health and winter hardiness.

FORMULATIONS:

MIX 1: 6 lbs. Manzate 75 DF or Dithane, 8 lbs. Sulfur DF (micronized), 2 lbs. Solubor DF, 4 lbs. magnesium sulfate,  & 12 oz. Nufilm P per 100 gallons solution.

MIX 2: 8 oz. Elite 45DF, 6 lbs. Manzate 75 DF or Dithane, 4 lbs. Sulfur DF, 6 lbs. magnesium sulfate,  & 10 oz. Nufilm P per 100 gallons.

MIX 3. 8 oz. Elite 45DF, 6 lbs. Captan 50 WP, 8 lbs. magnesium sulfate  & 8 oz. Nufilm P per 100 gallons.

MIX 4: 18 oz. Pristine & 8 lbs. magnesium sulfate per 100 gals.

MIX 5: 4 lbs. Kocide 2000  per 100 gallons.

NOTES:

NOTE 1: My rows are spaced 7-1/2 feet apart. Higher (or lower) density plantings may require adjustments to spray volumes (i.e. rates).

NOTE 2: Mixes 1 and 2 may burn shoot tips if temperatures soar into the 90s shortly after spraying. Mix 5 may burn leaf margins if heavy continuous rain occurs after spraying.

NOTE 3: The Solubor in Mix 1 raises the solution PH considerably, making Mix 1 incompatible with PH sensitive materials such as Captan, and Sevin.

NOTE 4: No Sulphur is sprayed after fruit-set and no Captan is applied within 35 days of harvest. This keeps fungicide residues from influencing fermentation.

NOTE 5: Potential micronutrient deficiencies of Magnesium, Boron (Solubor), Sulphur, Copper (Kocide), plus Zinc & Manganese (Manzate) are addressed by this program. Don't add Magnesium Sulfate unless you have a deficiency.

NOTE 6: Most insecticides are compatible with Mixes 2, 3, and 4. Check to be sure. Exception: Malathion 5EC is not compatible with Mix 3.

NOTE 7: Botrytis fruit rot is a low level but a growing problem here. In the event of a problem, newer fungicides such as Vangard WG or Elevate WDG should provide some control.

NOTE 8: Micronized DF Sulfur apparently varies in quality. Kumulus is allegedly better than Microthiol which is better than  Thiolux. All are vastly better than simple wettable sulfur.

Spot Spraying Guide
Fungicidal:  
#1 Rubigan EC at 2cc/gallon plus Manzate 75 DF or Dithane at 2/3 oz. (18 g.)/gallon.

Herbicidal:  
Total KILL.

#1: Roundup Weather Max at 1-1/2  oz./gallon.

#2: Roundup Weather Max at 1 oz./gallon plus MCPA or 2-4-D Amine at  3/4 oz./gallon.

I use this for most of my intra-row spot spraying.

Broadleaf only:

#1: MCPA or 2-4-D Amine at 1-1/2 oz./gallon plus surfactant at 2/3 oz./gallon.

Note: Vinifera is more tolerant of MCPA than it is of 2-4-D. The same is unfortunately also true for blackberries and poison oak, among others. MCPA does work well on thistles and field bindweed.

Ron Barrett, Kinkead Ridge Vineyard / 4288 Kinkead Road / Ripley, OH 45167  /937-392-1178  / www.KinkeadRidge.com