Pests and Hazards

Question 1

Other than using American rootstocks, what are effective remedies against phylloxera?

Answer 1

Growing vines on sandy soil; flooding vineyard for 40 days

Question 2

How is phomopsis easily detected in vines?

Answer 2

Noticed when winter pruning as the canes are whitened

Question 3

What is a key indicator of powdery mildew infection on berries as they mature?

Answer 3

The berries split, exposing the pips

Question 4

Which mite causes the most damage in European vineyards?

Answer 4

Red spider mite and two types of yellow spider

Question 5

In what way does the fungus Eutypa lata initially attack the vine?

Answer 5

The fungus blocks and kills water conducting tissue

Question 6

What are ways to management Eutypa?

Answer 6

Vines may put out a healthy water shoot that can be trained to replace the dead arm
Replant
Maintain vineyard hygiene
Prune in early winter when spore numbers are lower and in dry weather to minimize infection risk
Remove and burn infected wood

Question 7

How is Pierce’s disease spread in vines?

Answer 7

Glassy winged sharpshooter

Question 8

How does Pierce’s disease initially attack a wine?

Answer 8

The bacteria enters water conducting vessels and clogs them up

Question 9

What is the French name for integrated viticulture?

Answer 9

Lutte raisonee

Question 10

What is Integrated Pest Management?

Answer 10

Initially developed for controlling insect pests but now encompasses control of most diseases, weeks and physiological vine disorders

Question 11

What are methods for managing grey rot?

Answer 11

Take preventative measures (enters vine through wound or weak point in epidermis)
Use board spectrum fungicides

Question 12

What are critical times to spray fungicides to prevent grey rot?

Answer 12

Beginning of flowering, start of berry set, bunch closure, start of veraison, three weeks before harvest

Question 13

What is the effect of horn manure (500)?

Answer 13

Builds soil structure and humus
Attracts and stimulates beneficial soil life such as earthworms
Brings energy and vitality to the roots
Enables better absorption of nutrients 
Enhances drought resistance

Question 14

What is the effect of horn silica (501)?

Answer 14

Allows leaves and shoots to enhance use of light and heat
Improves photosynthesis
Increases plant assimilation of atmospheric CO2
Encourages processes that strengthen plant against fungal and insect attack
Increases ripening