Bunch Grape Advisory
Vol. 1 Issue 6
June 19, 2001
Mites and Grapes
With the increase in temperatures comes the possibility of mite infestation.
One infestation has already been reported in a Hillsborough vineyard.
Grapes are subject to predation by several mite species, including Pacific
mites, Willamette mites, two-spotted mites, and European red mites, but
in the Eastern US we are concerned with the two-spotted and European red
mites. Two-spotted mites are pale yellowish mites with two dark spots
on their bodies. European red mites are tiny red-bodied mites. Both are
difficult to see without a magnifying glass. Mites are insects that pierce
the cells of the leaf and suck the contents of the cell. Mites are typically
found on the undersides of leaves. Mite damage occurs in most fruit crops
and is typified by a "bronze" discoloration of the leaf. In
the picture below, a "bronzed" mite-damaged leaf (lower) is
compared with a healthy, undamaged leaf (upper). The amount of bronzing
is related to the amount of mite feeding and severely affected vines can
often be seen from a distance.
Mites are controlled with a particular class of insecticides called miticides, including Kelthane, Pyramite, and Vendex. See the following links for materials and rates:
http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/pmg/index.html#hort
http://ipmwww.ncsu.edu/agchem/chptr7.html
Other points to consider are the effects of broader spectrum insecticides on mite predators. According to Dr. Ken Sorensen, NCSU Extension entomologist, "Avoid over sprays of Sevin for Japanese beetles, as mite predators are destroyed. Use Imidan or malathion for beetle adults, or use traps placed around vineyard. Follow label directions."
Vineyard Site Suitability Maps
Vineyard site suitability maps are now available. Map sets costs $5.00 per site and can be ordered from the Extension Viticulturist's office. Order forms can be found at the NCDA Grapes and Wine website at:
http://www.agr.state.nc.us/markets/commodit/horticul/grape/sitesuit.htm
Coming Events
Saturday, July 21, 2001 Winery Planning and Design Workshop (please note
date change) Sponsored by the North Carolina Winegrowers Association &
Virginia Tech's Enology-Grape Chemistry Group:
Winery business planning and economics, winery design considerations including
gravity flow and caves, equipment selection, refrigeration and winery
utilities, government compliance issue, etc. Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Limited capacity / pre-registration is required.
Fee $115, payable to NCWA, PO Box 27647, Raleigh, NC 27611.
Registration form for NCWA day courses is available at www.ncwine.org.
For details check www.fst.vt.edu/zoecklein/index.html
or email/call Chanel.McIntyre@ncmail.net
phone 919-733-7136 x275.
Directions to the Forsyth Co Ag Building: From I-40 West or East, Take
the US 52/8 North exit. Travel 52 North to the Airport-Liberty Street
exit (111B). Turn right at first stoplight onto Fairchild Drive. The Forsyth
County Agricultural Building is 1/2 mile on the right.
3) North Carolina Muscadine Grape Growers Association Annual Meeting Friday
July 27, 2001 at Bannerman Vineyard in Burgaw, NC. Details to follow or
contact chanel.mcintyre@ncmail.net.
Andy Allen
Extension Associate - Viticulture
(919) 515-3705 (office)
(919) 218-1125 (mobile)
andy_allen@ncsu.edu
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