Grape Disease Identification Request - Grape Leaf Disease.jpg (0/1)

Forgot we couldn't use attachments. Check out the picture of the grape leaf disease at

Charles, I do not know about Alabama but some states have people in their Ag Extension than can help. If you were in Pennsylvania or nearby, you could send in a tissue sample and have it analyzed.

Don't be overly convinced that you have a disease. It is quite possible that you have a nutrient deficiency or excess - such as Potassium. I am no expert but you should consider this possibility. The dry spell you are having could have made this problem worse. In the meantime, keep drinking. Ain't this wine growing fun ;-)

I lost 90% + of my fruiting buds this year in Central Maryland. Surrounding vineyards fared better but I have a micro climate in my backyard vineyard. I am near a ravine and the cold air apparently goes down the hill and settles before it proceeds it's downward path.

Ya, I am drinking more this year also. Fortunately, I have an excess of wine in my cellar from previous years and Mead making has gone into high gear this year. I am also boning up on cane pruning because I will be doing a lot of it next spring to either go that route or build new cordons for cordon-spur.

How much does it cost for a tissue analysis? If Alabama does not offer the service, I wonder if I could send a sample to other states that do? That's to bad to hear about your fruiting bud loss. I assume that was from the late freeze? We're lucky this was our first year and we obviously aren't worried about fruit. This could have been a total loss otherwise. I'm hearing local peaches were devastated. That's a shame. We have some of the best peaches in the US!

Thanks for the advice Paul. I'll check into the Ag service for help.

Charles

I don't remember the costs. I was going to have it done last year but my problem seemed to resolve itself. I believe the cost is in the $20 range.

They also do soil and petiole analysis. I recommend you have this done. They will send you a kit(s) and directions on how to take the sample. You can call the number listed on the link below. I am sure they can point you in the right direction.

Here is another link I think you will find interesting and could steer you in the right direction.

Also, Ohio State has and excellent book on small fruit production - can't remember the exact name and my book is on loan. Lots of pictures and advice and the price is very reasonable.

Did you have a soil analysis performed? Even if you did, in drought conditions things can get out of whack.

I am inclined to think you have a mineral deficiency possibly brought on by lack of moisture but this is ONLY a GUESS. A petiole analysis would give you the answer or help. Again, they are not that expensive. It is better to get some solid facts instead of just guessing (been there - done that).

Also, the Yadkin Valley in North Carolina is becoming a big wine growing area. Perhaps some people at the North Carolina Agriculture Department could help since they are closer to your area. I have found that Ag people are very nice to deal with. They love their job and really enjoy helping people.

Good luck and keep us informed what you find out.

Paul

Charles E wrote:

Charles,

I'm also in N Alabama. I've got a few vines here in Huntsville. Where are you located? There will be a session on growing grapes in AL on Sept 14th at the Birmingham Botanical Garden. Stan Roark at the extension service in Wedowee has more info. That number is

Dick

Charles E wrote:

Hi Dick.. I've actually been trying to contact you. See following message from a prior newsgroup post in which I was soliciting your contact info. Please call or email if you'd like to meet. Thanks for the info on the Sept 14th event. I've spoken with Stan on the phone before and he's a sharp guy. I plan to attend:

Hi Dick. Our vines are surviving but we shall see how it goes at summer's end. I'd like to meet you some time. I met Stephen Bailey for lunch this week and found him to be a very nice and knowledgeable guy. We Alabama grape growers are rare and should learn from each others experiences. If you'd like to meet, give me a call some time. I live in Madison and work in Huntsville. My work number is 256-535-2184 and mobile number is 256-289-1029. Looking forward to speaking with you!

Thanks, Charles

Thanks for the links and info Paul. The article on drought & potassium was excellent. I'll bookmark this and save your post for later reference but the mystery of this particular issue was actually solved this weekend... Turns out one of my two vineyard partners allowed RoundUp to drift while applying last weekend and didn't tell me until symptoms started to show. That explains why I was seeing it on just about all 12 varietals to the same degree. However, there doesn't appear to be enough drift for significant leaf damage and we believe the spots to be mostly cosmetic. In short, I think we'll be ok for now.

FYI, we did have a soil analysis performed before planting the vineyard this winter. Our soil was in pretty good shape except for slightly high acid (common in Alabama) which we adjusted with lime and slightly low magnesium which we plan to adjust by dispensing mag through our drip irrigation system sometime soon. BTW, you don't know of a good magnesium supplement designed to be administered through a drip irrigation system do you???

Take Care, Charles

Charles,

It looks like it's either nitrient deficiency OR it could be you burned the vines with fungicide. Did you mix and apply the fungicide according to the directions. Also, I would almost guarantee that if you have enough moisture in the soil you need not add any nutrients to the soil. Mulching after a heavy rain storm will do wonders for you vines. Plants can't get to any nutrients in the soil if the soil is dry. Adding more nutrients to a dry soil will do squat if the soil remains dry. Believe it or not, vines need lots of water, especially if they are young. My rule is "Do not stress vines that are not at least 10 years old".

Bob

Charles E wrote: