Dates announced for Weed Identification and Management for Vineyards workshops

Improve your weed identification skills and explore management options for weeds in grape at MSU Extension’s June 6 or June 7 workshop.

Weed control is one of the most critical issues in vineyard establishment. Unless weeds are controlled, vine growth can be severely restricted, and vines may not survive the first season. Weed control remains an issue throughout the lifetime of the vineyard. Studies done in New York showed up to a 67 percent increase in yield for ‘Concord’ grapes with good weed control versus no weed control under the trellis.

In addition to competition for water and nutrients, weeds harbor insect pests, serve as hosts for viruses and interfere with vineyard operations related to culture and harvest. Certain weeds, such as horsenettle, produce berries that can taint harvested grapes.

Although numerous herbicides are available for use in vineyards, they aren’t equally effective on all weeds. Application timing is important to get optimum results. These workshops will help you identify problem weeds and understand their lifecycles – the key to choosing effective management strategies – whether they are cultural or chemical.

Plan now to attend one of two Weed Identification and Management for Vineyards workshops on June 6 and 7 to get answers on how to manage troublesome weeds in your vineyard. Join North Carolina State University weed scientist Rob Richardson, MSU Pesticide Safety Education Program Coordinator John Stone, and Michigan State University Extension educators Diane Brown and Duke Elsner for a half-day workshop on weed identification and management.

Growers have a choice of two locations for the workshops. The workshop on June 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. will be held in southwest Michigan at the Berrien County MSU Extension office, 1737 Hillandale Rd., Benton Harbor, MI 49022 (view map). Contact Diane Brown at 1-269-944-4126 for additional information.

The workshop on June 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in northwest Michigan will be held at the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station, 6686 S. Center Highway, Traverse City, MI 49684 (view map). Contact Duke Elsner at 1-231-922-4822 for additional information.

Download the registration form and workshop agenda. The registration fee for the workshop is $25 per person and includes lunch, handouts and refreshments. Four RUP credits have been requested for the workshop. Attendance is limited. Register by May 31 to reserve your space.

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