Black rot and grapes - Ask Extension
We bought 3 grape plants all Minnesota winter hardy, seven years ago. We have had wonderful grapes until last two years. Having looked at your disease...
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Black rot and grapes #346942
Asked July 26, 2016, 3:59 PM EDT
We bought 3 grape plants all Minnesota winter hardy, seven years ago. We have had wonderful grapes until last two years. Having looked at your disease section for grapes, I believe that Black Rot is the problem. I sprayed last year and was able to save some of the crop. I sprayed this year as well, but probably too late and lost most of the crop.
My question is, should I prune everything down to the ground, get rid of any infected leaves and dried up grapes that are infected?
I look forward to hearing back from you.
Thank you.
Barb
Wright County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for the question. It does look like black rot in the photos. If you cut the plants down now, new growth will be stimulated using up precious energy resources the vine needs to get through the winter. Remove the affected grapes and leaves and discard. This will allow more air flow through the plant and minimize the growth of the black rot. The remaining leaves will continue to photosynthesize and add to the plant's energy reserves. Proper dormant pruning and excellent fall clean up will help reduce the chance of disease. Please read the following publication from Extension to learn more:
http://articles.extension.org/pages/31134/black-rot-of-grapes
Thank you for contacting Extension.
http://articles.extension.org/pages/31134/black-rot-of-grapes
Thank you for contacting Extension.
