Page 29 - Grapevine March-April 2020

Around The Vineyard

tiveness of the model itself. It is important when
using technology to assess disease risk to ensure
that the source of the data that drives the calcula-
tions originates in the canopy of the vineyard itself,
which can then speed assessment and treatment
for improved results.”

Dr. O’Neal from Marrone Bio Innovations advis-
es vineyard managers to always keep in mind the
holistic mindset.

“Pest and disease management are continual
tasks that extend beyond the growing season,” she
said. “These tasks require year-round planning,
program revision and continual research of the
newly emerging management tools available. In the
present agricultural landscape, managers will likely
need to utilize a combination of biological, chemi-
cal, cultural and other management tactics.”

Vadon and Clark from BioSafe Systems said that
the most critical advice for vineyard managers
regarding disease management would be to stress
the importance that they must be proactive and
not reactive. There is some truth to the old saying
that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of
cure” because a robust and comprehensive preven-
tative management program, in conjunction with
good cultural practices, will mitigate many disease
issues seen during crucial times of the growing sea-
son.

“Products, like Oxidate 5.0 and PerCarb, are per-
fect additions to a strong preventative manage-
ment program, because they are cost-effective with
broad-spectrum activity, have no known resistance
and can be applied tank-mixed or stand-alone,”
said Vadon and Clark. “Using these two products
throughout the growing season will eradicate
fungal spores and mycelium on contact, reducing
disease pressure and thus preventing disease out-
breaks and the buildup resistance.

“The best advice we can give is to start a preven-
tion plan as soon as possible and to stay on top
of that problem with a regular schedule of appli-
cations,” said Greenleaf of A1 Mist Sprayers. “It is
very important to do your research on the pest, the
chemical or natural solution for that pest and the
equipment to apply it with.”

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