Join us for a northwest Michigan grape pre-bloom meeting held June 4, 2019

We’ll discuss management strategies for grapevine pathogens and spread of the invasive spotted lanternfly, as well as habitat tips for supporting beneficial insects.

Riesling clusters at pre-bloom stage of development
Riesling clusters at pre-bloom stage of development. Photo by Thomas Todaro, MSU Extension.

Northwest Michigan has the highest concentration of wine grapes in the state of Michigan. Wine grapes are expensive to produce and fruit quality is difficult to maintain in Michigan’s short and variable growing season. It is not unusual to have a cool and wet spring, suitable conditions for many grapevine pathogens, in northwest Michigan, so early season disease prevention is critical in short and long-term vineyard sustainability. A Northwest Michigan Grape Pre-Bloom Meeting on June 4, 2019, from 1-4 p.m. at the Northwest Michigan Horticulture Research Center will cover preventing grapevine pathogens using cultural practices (e.g., canopy modifications) and chemical management (active ingredient, amount, timing and FRAC code).

We will provide an update on the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect that has not been observed in Michigan. You’ll also hear about practices to encourage the beneficial insect populations by supporting their habitats. From a disease perspective, we will try to discuss “softer” chemical inputs as well by Michigan State University Extension small fruit pathologist Timothy Miles, specifically focusing on powdery and downy mildew as well as Botrytis bunch rot control.

Botrytis bunch rot
Botrytis bunch rot on Riesling observed in Traverse City, Michigan, Oct. 12, 2018. Photo by Timothy Miles, MSU.


Educational seminars will be followed by an in-vineyard tour of the Northwest Michigan Horticulture Research Center’s research vineyard to provide growers an update and discussion on newly planted grapevines, fungicides and insects.Invasive and beneficial insect information, and a range of control options including natural enemies, will be presented by MSU entomologist Rufus Isaacs.

Now is a great time to understand and implement important early season practices. Join us for the Northwest Michigan Grape Pre-Bloom Meeting to stay ahead of your early season vineyard management practices!

There is no cost to attend this event. For planning purposes, please register no later than June 1 by contacting Thomas Todaro via email at todaroth@msu.edu.

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