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White Mildew or mold on grapes #758701

Asked June 27, 2021, 3:53 PM EDT

We have grapevines in our yard that we have never known how to care for. Last year we cut them back so much they did not produce grapes. This year they have a white mildew/mold on them (and are very overgrown)...we are not plant people and like the shade and look they provide but have not been able to produce good grapes since we moved in 7 years ago...can you help? What should we do?

Washtenaw County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello Jen

Based on your images - I believe this is powdery mildew versus downy mildew

Look at pages 130 through 132 of this publication - This will explain Powdery and Downy Mildew on Grapes - I WOULD SUGGEST YOU SAVE THIS PUBLICATION - LOTS OF GOOD INFORMATION ON GRAPES - It is at this link: http://plantpathology.ca.uky.edu/files/mw_home_fruit_productn_b591.pdf

Look at pages 24-26 on Fungicides and page 30 Grape Spray Guide of this publication - I WOULD SUGGEST YOU SAVE THIS PUBLICATION - LOTS OF GOOD INFORMATION ON GRAPES - It is at this link: https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/id/id-146-w.pdf

This is Powdery mildew - Uncinula necator - Michigan State University at this link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/files/Diseases_PDFs/PowderyMildew.pdf

This is Downy mildew - Plasmopara viticola - Michigan State University at this link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/files/Diseases_PDFs/DownyMildew.pdf

Below is some great information on growing grapes in the backyard - I provide 4 universities for your reading enjoyment:

Michigan State University: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/growing_grapes_in_the_backyard

Penn State University: https://extension.psu.edu/backyard-grape-growing

Cornell University: https://extension.psu.edu/backyard-grape-growing

University of Minnesota: https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-grapes-home-garden

Hope this helps!!

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 27, 2021, 5:53 PM EDT

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