The care of grapes does not always go smoothly. So that you can arm your vines against health problems, we have compiled the most important diseases and effective control methods for you.
Gray mold (Botrytis cinerea)
In years with warm, humid weather, the fungal infection known as gray mold spreads particularly aggressively. At the beginning of the planting season, a gray layer of fungi forms on all parts of the plant. The grapes then shrivel and fall off. In the worst case, the existence of the entire plant is threatened. How to fight the disease:
- Discard any infected plant parts
- do not apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer
- Dust leaves and shoots repeatedly with rock dust
- as a preventive measure, ensure sufficient planting distance
- regularly pruning in February
The situation is different when the gray mold spreads to ripe grapes. In this case, winegrowers speak of noble rot, which is definitely desirable. This is primarily the case with red grape varieties.
Downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola)
In addition to powdery mildew, hobby gardeners also fear downy mildew as an everlasting sword of Damocles in the cultivation of grapevines. Immediately after budding until September, oily spots appear on the underside of the leaves, which develop into a dirty white fungus coating. As a result, the grapes are attacked, which turn blue-grey. Ultimately, they shrink like leather pouches and fall off.
Approved fungicides for the allotment garden only act preventively. They are mainly based on copper and net sulphur. In order to unfold their effect, they should be used immediately after planting. Since these preparations are associated with health concerns when eating the grapes, environmentally and health-conscious hobby gardeners prefer to use these ecological methods:
- Plant vines in a row at an airy distance
- Mixed cultivation with marigolds and marigolds keeps fungal spores away
- Inject liverwort extract as a tonic right from the start
- Keep pruning deadlines
At the first signs of a fungal infection, the vine is sprayed every 2-3 days with a soapy solution. This consists of 1 liter of water and 15 milliliters each of curd soap and spirit. In addition, the garden is designed to be inviting for beneficial insects such as ladybugs or parasitic wasps. (22.99€) These insects like to eat fungal spores.
tips and tricks
The sensitive area of chemical fungicides is subject to constant change. The use of these preparations is strictly regulated, especially in allotments and home gardens. The free pesticide database offers up-to-date guidance on which agents are permitted and which are not. This is operated by the Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety.
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