Page 32 - GrapevineMarApr 2022

Around The Vineyard

they can with behavior-based deterrents like can- 4. On high cordon vines, use netting that is wide
nons, predatory calls, and visual threats, which I enough to reach the ground on both sides of
will discuss shortly. the row. You can use zip ties to pin the bottoms
of the net together so it doesn’t blow away.
The downsides of netting are the high upfront
cost and time required to apply and remove it. 5. Finish all skirting, hedging, or other canopy
However, growers will have an easier time with management before applying nets.
netting by following these tips:
6. Keep up your spray program once the net is on;
1. Use netting with holes 3/4 inch wide or smaller netting does not stop spray droplet from reach-
so that birds cannot sneak through it. ing the vines.

2. Invest in a net applicator implement (e.g. Netter 7. Remove all jewelry before handling netting!
Getter or similar) for applying and removing Sound-based Deterrents
nets. They drastically decrease labor costs and
fatigue. Some growers prefer to use “behavior-based”
sound deterrents: propane scare cannons, and
3. Do not stretch out the net. For high cordon trel- speakers that play predator calls and bird distress
lised vines, just drape the net loosely over the calls. Controlled vineyard trials have found that
vines. Growers often tend to pull it tightly and these work well, but not quite as well as netting.
snugly, but this actually stretches and expands
the holes, making it easier for birds to peck It is hard to predict how well sound-based deter-
through them. Keeping it loose actually protects rents will work in a specific vineyard, because their
the berries better. effectiveness depends on the bird species and

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