MSU Extension Grapes

Download a Mobile Guide for Grape IPM Scouting

Successful pest management in a commercial vineyard is based on a basic knowledge and understanding of the following. 

1) The biology of a grape vine and its annual growth habits.

• Grape growth stages chart
• Vineyard Establishment I: Pre-plant decisions (E2644)
• Vineyard Establishment 2: Planting and Early Care (E2645)

2) The biology and life cycle of insects, diseases, nematodes and weeds found in vineyards. 

• Read our Grape IPM scouting reports, posted every Wednesday throughout the growing season.
• Learn how to identify insects, diseases, and physiological/chemical disorders.
• Need help identifying an insect or source of pest damage? Contact MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics. New grapevine virus testing services at MSU started in summer 2019.
• Vineyard scouting calendar for when to look for major pests. Form for scouting vineyards.

3) The environmental conditions favoring pests that injure the crop. 

• See our links on weather and climate
• The use of growing degree days (GDDs) to improve pest management tactics
• An ecological approach to growing grapes and other fruit: Fruit Crop Ecology and Management

4) The susceptibility of various varieties of grapes to pests and pesticides.

• Order E0154, the Michigan Fruit Management Guide, for information on effectiveness of fungicides and insecticides as well as effects on beneficial organisms
• Avoid pesticide resistance: How pesticide resistance develops

5) The cultural, biological, and chemical control strategies that can be used for optimal production of commercial grapes.

• Bloom Time Grape Disease Control (A Power Point file updated June 2015)
• Order E0154, the Michigan Fruit Management Guide (updated annually) includes grapes and has information for selecting pesticides and other pest control tools for the coming growing season including pesticide safety tips.
• Vineyard weed identification  (April 2014 W Michigan presentation by E. Elsner, E. Hanson)
• Vineyard weed management practices (April 2014 NW Michigan presentation by Wayne Mitchem, NCSU)
• Natural enemies: Predators & parasites
• Natural enemies: Monitor populations & consider food sources
• Pest management influences on natural enemies
• Pesticide applicator certification information from MSU’s Pesticide Safety & Education Program