Pest & Diseases

Question 1

What is phylloxera?

Answer 1

• A louse that attacks the roots of the vine. American vines protect themselves by a sticky sap.

Question 2

What are nematodes & the treatment?

Answer 2

• Microscopic worms that attacks the roots of the vine by interfering with the water and nutrient uptake.
• Prevention is better than cure. Sanitizing the soil before replanting and using restart rootstocks.

Question 3

In what way are birds and mammals a threat to vineyards and what is the best defense?

Answer 3

• They eat the grapes which can lead to fungal diseases if they’re left in the vine.
• Netting and fencing is the best defense.

Question 4

In what way are insects a threat to a vineyard and what is the treatment?

Answer 4

• They feed on the leaves and grapes.

• Spraying insecticide (either on a roster or done sustainable by integrated pest management)

Question 5

What are the 3 types of fungal diseases?

Answer 5

• Downy mildew - thrives in warm, wet & humid conditions. Can effect all green parts. Appears as yellow spots on the upper side of the leaves or furry grey patches on the undersides.

• Powdery mildew - thrives in warm, shady conditions with some humidity. Can effect all green parts incl. the grapes. Appears as a grey/white coating. Grapes may shrivel and split.

• Grey rot - caused by Botrytis cinerea. Thrives in damp conditions & appears on the grapes. Taints the flavor and can cause color loss in black grapes. In certain conditions (damp misty morning, sunny dry afternoons) this becomes Noble Rot.

Question 6

1. How is fungal diseases controlled?
2. Which climate requires the most spraying?
3. When do the sprayings need to stop?

Answer 6

1. By fungicides. Spraying is usually done by tractor.
2. Maritime - due to high rainfall during the growing season.
3. Just before harvest time so no harmful chemicals goes into the wine.

Question 7

How are viruses usually spread?

Answer 7

• Via cuttings and/or nematodes - no treatments or cures. You have to dig up the vine and sanitize the land.

Question 8

How are bacterial diseases spread and what happens to the vine? What is the treatment?

Answer 8

• Spread by small insects call sharpshooters.
• Reduced grape quality and quantity, can kill.
• Prevention is done by quarantine procedures and interrupting the lifecycle of the insect.
• Once infected, you need to dig up the vine and sanitize the land.

Question 9

What does sustainable agriculture entail?

Answer 9

• Restricted chemical use.
• Follow the weather to predict patterns to minimize the need for chemical spraying.
• Predators of certain pests may be encouraged to live in the vineyard.

Question 10

What does organic agriculture entail?

Answer 10

• Similar to sustainable but more restricted on treatments against pest and disease.
• Accreditation required.
• Vineyard must undergo a period of conversion prior to certification.

Question 11

What does biodynamic agriculture entail?

Answer 11

• Adopts organic practices but incorporates philosophy & cosmology.
• Adapts the grape growing procedures to the cycle of the planet, moon and stars.
• Use homeopathic remedies are used instead of chemical.
• Requires certification.