Controlling Black Rot

Posted in: Blog by admin on July 24, 2009

We often get asked of the best way to cure black rot. Unfortunately there is no cure, but there are definitely ways to control it. Black rot is caused by fundus, and it survies in lesions which are left from stem and skins in previous seasons.

Once you spot a black rot cluster you will need to remove the infected area by cutting of the vine and removing it completely from your vine.

For prevention try to plant your grapes in sunny areas that have proper airflow, and manage the canopy to allow as much sunlight as possible with burning or drying out your grapes.

Spray you vines with a fungicide every week or two with one of the many available brands. Follow the label for proper dilution and timing. Be especially vigilant with your spraying between the buds breaking and the bloom.

Most stop spraying the fungicide when the grapes soften and change colors. Early detection is crucial, because you don’t want fungicide in your grapes before harvest for obvious contamination reasons.

To spot all the diseases and prevention techniques be sure to get our Grape Growing Guide which holds your hand through the whole process.