246 



GRAPES 



they are well colored. Others are much improved by remaining 

 on the vines longer. 



Marketing the Surplus. — Grapes are usually marketed in rigid 

 Climax baskets with wooden covers. These are of several sizes, 

 holding from three to ten pounds. In this form they are often 

 shipped by express or in refrigerator cars long distances. If well 

 protected and reasonably well handled, they may reach the con- 

 sumer in first class condition and will usually not deteriorate 

 before they have had ample time for consumption. 



Insect Enemies of Grapes. — There are a number of insects 

 which attack grapes. The chief enemies are discussed here. 



Fig. 172. 



Fio. 173. 



jB'ig. 172. — Pruning by the "vertical cordon" system. Vines about three years old may 

 have trunks three feet high with spurs at intervals up the sides. (California Station.) 

 Fio. 173. — Starting a double crown on a five year old vine. Finally, it will have two full 



units on each side if the lower arms are not weakened and fail to produce wood. (California 



Station.) 



The grape leaf-hopper is perhaps one of the most common ene- 

 mies of the grape. These are sometimes called "thrips." They 

 feed chiefly on the under side of the leaves and suck the juice from 

 them. Perhaps the best remedy is to thoroughly clean up the 

 vineyard by plowing under in early spring all the leaves that have 

 fallen. Hopper cages are sometimes used successfully where vines 

 are not trellised. Resin sprays are sometimes used with nozzles 

 which will strike the under side of the leaves. 



The grape leaf-folder occurs throughout the United States. Its 

 damage is of less importance as it seldom seriously injures the crop. 



