MSU Extension is starting its weekly grape scouting reports for the 2021 season. How are things looking? Tim Miles, assistant professor of Michigan State University’s Small Fruit and Hop Pathology Program, said the situation is pretty good.
“There’s not too much damage that we thought might have happened because of the frost, but that’s a good thing for the grape industry,” he said.
As a plant pathologist, Miles’ focus is on diseases. Since it’s been dry, there hasn’t been much to observe besides those that have overwintered.
“In some places that had maybe not so great control last year, there’ll be fungal overwintering structures that folks have been seeing–some phomopsis and black rot which are continual problems every year you can see in vineyards,” said Miles.
However, the lack of rainfall has been preventing diseases from setting in early.
“Most of the diseases that affect grapes that you’d see are fungal diseases, and they particularly like moisture, so if it tends to be hot and dry, there won’t be as many diseases showing up which could be a good thing,” said Miles. “As the season keeps going on, diseases like powdery mildew can still be a continual issue if it maintains dry weather patterns, but for the most part, not a lot of new diseases.”
When scouting their vineyards, Miles added growers should be employing sanitation practices if they’re seeing fungal structures, opening the canopy, and preparing for bloom.
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