Bloom is over or near the end across NC. As we end into fruit set and early fruit development it is time to start implementing fruit zone leaf removal. UGA has a great how-to extension publication to refresh your knowledge. This May was wet and warm, great conditions for increased pressure of downy mildew. You may see it in your vineyard earlier than usual. Be sure to rotate fungicide mode of action groups and evaluate your spray coverage to keep ahead of disease pressure. You can read in more detail about SE pest and disease management at the Southeast Regional Small Fruits Consortium Bunch Grape Integrated Management Guide.

Updates!

Recently, Dr. Phill Brannen, UGA Professor and Extension Fruit Disease Specialist, and Dr. Katie Gold, Assistant Professor of Grape Pathology, met with EPA personal at the Washington, D.C. headquarters to discuss the importance of mancozeb to eastern US grape production. They are hopeful that mancozeb will be maintained for grape use with changes to reentry and preharvest intervals. You can read more about the visit at Dr. Brannen’s UGA blog post and read Dr. Gold’s mancozeb survey data that was presented during the meeting.If you need to treat for Grape Root borer in response to damage, a mating disruption product is now commercially-available. Isomate GRB Z*, from CBC America receives EPA Section18 approval for grapes in North Carolina. The final ISOMATE® GRB Z label can be found here. This product should be available through Helena, Henderson. If you plan to use this season please reach out to Dr. Lorena Lopez (llopezq@ncsu.edu), NC State Assistant Extension Professor and Entomologist, to help monitor use and effectiveness.

June Viticulture Events!

NC Wine and Grape Council Annual Conference

Bryan School of Business at UNC Greensboro

June 17, 1:00 – 6:00 pm

Register

 

NCWA Preharvest Workshop

Surry Community College, SBVE Building, Dobson, NC

June 30^th 9:30 am – 3:30 pm

Registration Required- $ 25 Includes lunch

Save the date for two NC State Viticulture Extension Workshops!

Private “V” Credit Recertification online class

July 23, 1:00 – 3:00 pm

After completing this training, you will receive two “V” credits, which are required every three years for private applicators.

Registration is free but required

Pierce's Disease Workshop

Field demonstration and presentations of bacteriophage applications, spray and drench insecticide applications, PD resistant cultivars, and overview of best practices for Pierce's Disease Management. More information to follow.

July 29, 8:30 am - 12 pm

Childress Vineyards Barrel Room

1000 Childress Vineyards Rd, Lexington, NC 27295

Registration on site. Just Show up!