Page 68 - GrapevineMarApr 2022
P. 68
Around The Vineyard
number of factors can contribute to the
severity of the problem. These are largely
driven by weather conditions and microcli-
mate factors within the vineyard canopy
structure. Because of this, there are often
cultural methods that can be implemented
to discourage fungal growth. In addition,
there are fungicides that, when applied
properly and at the appropriate times, are
effective at preventing severe damage.
When it comes to viruses, unfortunately,
there are no curative treatments. The goal
then becomes preventing virus introduction
and minimizing spread.”
According to a study funded by the
USDA and conducted by the University of
Massachusetts Extension Plant Diagnostic
Lab, one of the worst diseases for vine-
yards is the Grapevine Leafroll Associated
Virus complex. While this virus has varia-
tions, all of them cause the dreaded symp-
toms of grapevine leafroll disease. Experts
say its impact hits vineyards from California
to New York state.
Dr. Symmes describes Suterra’s products
and how they function to protect vineyards
from bacteria and fungi, some of which are
Suterra’s VMB-XL Dispenser carried from vine to vine by insects.
for Vine Mealybug (VMB) .
Suterra manufacturers CheckMate VMB-
Suterra partners with trial collaborators each XL, a membrane dispenser, and CheckMate
growing season to innovate and continuously VMB-F, a sprayable microencapsulated formulation.
improve its products based upon what growers These products target vine mealybug, a highly effi-
need. Its CheckMate VMB-F sprayable pheromone cient Grapevine Leafroll-associated Viruses vector.
is now on the California Certified Organic Farmers The active ingredient in both products is synthetic
list of allowable products for use by organic grow- replicas of the vine mealybug’s sexual reproduction
ers. The company also works with growers to tai- pheromone.
lor and improve dispenser design, longevity and
ease of deployment. Suterra is currently working By hanging VMB-XL dispensers or spraying VMB-F
on a new type of dispenser for the vine market. microcapsules, the natural ability of males to find
According to the company, testing this latest inno- females to mate is inhibited. These solutions limit
vation has produced favorable results from grow- reproductive capacity, lower populations, reduce
ers. direct crop damage caused by the pest and mini-
mize the potential spread of GLRaVs.
Symmes shares best practices on how vineyards
can lessen the impact of disease and fungi on their Vine mealybug also produces large amounts of
plants and fruit. In many cases, she says, it’s virtu- honeydew as a byproduct of their feeding. Sooty
ally impossible to avoid them all. Rather, she cau- mold, another fungal pathogen, uses the honey-
tions, mitigation is the operative word. dew as a substrate for development and can cause
grape bunches to be unmarketable. By controlling
“With the more perennial fungal pathogens, a VMB, the impacts of sooty mold can be avoided.
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