Grape production can be one of the most rewarding and the most frustrating jobs for a grower and gardener. For those gardeners growing grapes for fun, a few mishaps here and there are not that big of a deal. However, for those growers who own wineries, mishaps with grape production can costs hundreds and thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, grapes are incredibly vulnerable to a variety of plant diseases. Those winery owners who hope to protect their grape crops must develop a strategic pest management system in order to prevent the serious damage that plant disease can bring. While proper management can prevent a lot of disease, some plants will still suffer and must be treated accordingly.

Understanding the differences in crop diseases and how to quickly recognize when a grape crop has been infested is essential to protecting the entire harvest. The most common types of grape disease include:

• Anthracnose
• Black Rot
• Crown Gall
• Downy Mildew
• Grey Mold
• Powdery Mildew

The above diseases are far more likely to damage your grapes than any others. As such, developing a treatment plan is imperative for crop protection. In addition for looking out for these diseases, growers and winery owners must pay attention to the following factors:

• Grape variety
• Pathogen quantity
• Conditions of weather

The above elements will all play an important role in planning for the best treatment in the event of an outbreak. Protecting your vineyard means taking strategic steps to stop infestations before they start and to quickly address any infestations to stop the disease from spreading.