Grapes are a popular fruit and berry crop. Modern summer residents use varieties of shrubs for planting on their plots. Commercial horticulture grows reference varieties for further wine production. Landscape designers use green fences made from this plant in their projects. Every happy owner of this shrub should remember the danger of white bloom on grape leaves. A dangerous fungal disease requires timely treatment and proper prevention.
Signs
Vine bushes are an excellent option for planting in the garden.The plant is often used as a decorative hedge. Thanks to the densely growing foliage, the grapes create coolness and shade. No special effort is put into caring for it. It is worth paying special attention to preventive measures for plant diseases. They can significantly ruin the planting and harvest.
The main manifestation of the lesion is considered to be a white coating on the leaves and clusters. To determine the type of disease, it is necessary to check the grapes for the presence of characteristic signs:
- A white coating on leaves and berries, reminiscent of flour, signals that the bush is infected with oidium, a fungal disease. It spreads on leaves, flowers, shoots. Fungal spores extract nutrients from the plant. As the disease progresses, the leaves turn black and dry out. Spoiled parts of grapes are carriers of oidium.
- Yellow oily spots may form on the vine. If, when wet, they become a fluffy white coating, then the grapes are affected by mildew. As the disease progresses, the leaves become yellow-brown, dry out, and fall off. Mildew also spreads to inflorescences and fruits. It is a big threat to quality harvest.
Often the foliage deteriorates from the top. But don't lose sight of the bottom. Sometimes the white coating first appears there.
Reasons for the raid
To prevent the appearance of white plaque on grapes, the reasons for its formation on grape bushes should be taken into account:
- Uncomfortable environmental conditions. Frequent rains, severe drought, and winds can provoke the spread of fungal diseases.
- Insufficient fertilizer. The lack of nutrition necessary for the plant leads to a weakening of its immunity.
- Lack of proper bush care.Poor watering and improper pruning lead to drying out or waterlogging of the soil and excessive growth of foliage. A damp, dark environment is favorable conditions for the development of fungal diseases.
- Poor cleaning of the area around the planting. Fungal spores persist on fallen leaves for a long time. Even after twenty years they are able to penetrate foliage, flowers, berries, and shoots.
- Poor quality soil, wrong planting location. A shrub planted in an unfavorable location will not grow well. Poor soil composition will limit the intake of essential nutrients.
There are many reasons for the appearance of plaque on a grape bush. Fungal bacteria are carried by birds and rain. Only high-quality care and timely preventive measures can prevent plant infections.
Methods to combat plaque
Treatment of affected grapes should be carried out without delay. Experienced gardeners give simple recommendations on how to deal with the consequences of white plaque:
- Spraying with potassium permanganate. Several manganese crystals are dissolved in 1 liter of water. The liquid should be light pink. Sick and healthy leaves of the bush are carefully treated with the solution. Carry out the procedure once every two weeks, avoiding the flowering period.
- Colloidal sulfur. 10 g of the component are stirred in a bucket of water. The bush is treated with the solution once a week until the flowers appear. The method is used for serious damage.
- A solution of ash and laundry soap. 1 kg of ash is dissolved in 10 liters of water. Soap is necessary to better fix the mixture on the grape leaves. Before spraying, the product should sit for 3-4 days.
- Bordeaux mixture with colloidal sulfur. A mixture of two products is considered a potent drug in the fight against white plaque.For 5-7 liters of water they are mixed in a 1:1 ratio. Can be processed immediately.
- Chemicals. In specialized stores you can purchase insecticides for spraying. Among the most effective are “Topaz”, “Ecosila”, “Ridomil Gold”. They are used separately or simultaneously.
The decision on how to treat the plant is made based on the scale of plaque spread and the degree of neglect of the disease. It is worth considering that grapes can get used to the treatment method used. It is recommended to alternate treatment agents to obtain the most positive effect.
Prevention
Preventive measures to prevent the appearance of white plaque on grape bushes are mandatory. In some cases, even the most well-groomed plant is affected by fungal diseases. Regular implementation of the recommended actions will increase the level of grape protection:
- Use of solutions and special preparations. In the spring, before flowering, the bush is treated with a solution of sulfur-based pharmaceutical products. Immediately after winter, grape shoots are sprayed with water and potassium permanganate. The procedure is repeated with the onset of cold weather before covering the plant.
- High-quality, timely fertilizer. Grapes quickly absorb nutrients from the soil. In this regard, the soil ceases to be useful - the plant weakens. Proper feeding is important. It is recommended to apply potassium and phosphorus fertilizers in the spring. Ash, sawdust, and humus are perfect for this purpose.
- Cleaning the area. Fungal spores tend to linger for a long time in infected fallen leaves, shoots, and fruits. They then easily spread to healthy plants.In this regard, it is necessary to collect and destroy dry branches, leaves, and rotten fruits.
- Regular inspection of grapes. A thorough check of the bush shoots will contribute to the early diagnosis of the disease and the use of treatment methods at the initial stage.
- Trimming. Dense foliage and curling, flexible shoots often hide the first signs of disease. It is important to promptly cut off excess branches and remove foliage. The procedure is carried out in the spring - after wintering the plant, in the winter - before shelter. During the season, when inspecting the grapes, dry shoots are removed.
Many people consider grapes to be a capricious plant. It is unpretentious in care, but is susceptible to dangerous fungal diseases. Do not neglect simple prevention methods to maintain a healthy planting and obtain a bountiful harvest.
Grapes are an excellent option for planting in a small summer cottage or large garden area.
The plant performs many useful functions: from fruiting to decorating the area. In some cases, the quality development of a shrub may be hampered by a white coating on its leaves and clusters. This dangerous fungal disease is treatable. Timely preventive measures should be taken and the necessary care procedures should be carried out. They will prevent damage or death of the plant.
