520 



GROWING GRAPES 



ing tools, page 231. More powerful shears, or a saw, will be 

 needed to cut out large stubs and old vines. 



11. Controlling Insects and Diseases. Since grape foliage 

 is relatively close to the ground, and since many of the organ- 

 isms to be controlled work on the under side of the leaves, 

 movable or flexible booms equipped with nozzles spraying 

 upward from below as well as downward from above are de- 

 sirable. Sprayers of the traction type are sometimes used, but 

 gasoline engine outfits with long leads of hose, or ''trailers/' 

 the men spraying from the ground, are preferable. 



Liquid lime-sulfur has not been satisfactory and is not 

 used in the vineyard. Bordeaux mixture is the standard 

 fungicide. The ordinary orchard insecticides may be used in 

 the vineyard. 



Among insects, the grape root worm, the grapeberry moth, 

 the leaf hopper, and the grapevine flea beetle are serious pests. 

 The rose chafer is occasionally very destructive in sandy areas 

 or where such areas are nearby. 



Among diseases, black rot is very destructive in humid 

 sections, in wet years, and on some varieties. Downy mildew 

 is often serious. Dead arm disease is serious in some sections. 



Follow the control program outlined by the local experi- 

 ment station. A full discussion of materials, machinery, and 

 methods of application will be found in the chapter entitled 

 '^Controlling Insects and Diseases." 



12. Harvesting the Crop. Pick the fruit when full color has 

 been reached and when the natural flavor has developed. 

 Unripe grapes are an abomination to the consumer and sure 

 parents of a declining demand. Only experience will indicate 

 the proper stage and appearance for picking. The wood as- 

 sumes a characteristic red or chocolate appearance. The 

 bloom on the clusters becomes apparent. Preserve the bloom 

 carefully by a minimum of handling, as it is evidence of skill 

 and consideration, a bond between grower and consumer. 



For distant markets and shipments long in transit, pick 

 earlier than for immediate local consumption where the full 



