Progressive Crop Consultant - May/June 2020 by JCS Marketing, Inc.

May/June 2020 Improving Airblast Spray Applications Outsmarting Birds in Vineyards Benefits of Being a Certified Crop Advisor in the Western United States Early Management of Grapevine Powdery Mildew

M a y/J u n e 2 0 2 0

V I N E YA R D R E V I E W Pages 18-48

PUBLICATION

Volume 5: Issue 3

LIFE

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PUBLISHER: Jason Scott Email: jason@jcsmarketinginc.com EDITOR: Marni Katz ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Cecilia Parsons Email: article@jcsmarketinginc.com PRODUCTION: design@jcsmarketinginc.com Phone: 559.352.4456 Fax: 559.472.3113 Web: www.progressivecrop.com

IN THIS ISSUE

4 6

Improving Airblast Spray Applications

Finding Practical Alternatives to Agricultural PPE During the Current Shortage

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & INDUSTRY SUPPORT Whitney Brim-DeForest

UCCE County Director, Sutter and Yuba Counties

Benefits of Being a Certified Crop Advisor in the Western United States

Pesticide Safety Writer, UC IPM Program

Surendra K. Dara

Entomology & Biologicals Advisor, UCCE, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties

Early Management of Grapevine Powdery Mildew

Early Season Vineyard Management

CCA PCA Chair, West Region Certified Crop Advisors Board of Directors

Coordinator, Pesticide Gabriel Torres Safety Education Program Coordinator, UC IPM Program UCCE Viticulture Farm Advisor

Katrina Hunter

V I N E YA R D R E V I E W

Lisa Blecker

Jerome Pier, Ph.D.

Stephen Vasquez

Sun-Maid Growers Technical Viticulturist

George Zhuang

Viticulture Farm Advisor, UCCE Fresno County

UC COOPERATIVE EXTENSION ADVISORY BOARD

Kris Tollerup

Kevin Day

UCCE Integrated Pest County Director and Management Advisor, UCCE Pomology Farm Advisor, Tulare/Kings County Parlier, CA

Steven T. Koike

Preparing for the Invasive Spotted Lanternfly Threat

Outsmarting Birds in Vineyards

Director, TriCal Diagnostics

The articles, research, industry updates, company profiles, and advertisements in this publication are the professional opinions of writers and advertisers. Progressive Crop Consultant does not assume any responsibility for the opinions given in the publication.

May/June 2020

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Improving Airblast Spray Applications

Research in citrus shows up to 25 percent of applied sprays miss their target. Here's how to change that.

By CECILIA PARSONS | Associate Editor

lenty of factors can contribute to inefficiencies in pesticide spray applications. Complex interactions between equipment, environmental conditions and physical properties of the material being sprayed influence how much of the material hits the target and how much is wasted. Spray applications in tree nut orchards for pest and disease control are typically done with airblast sprayers. Cost of the spray material and application plus the potential loss of crop yield from pests and disease make achieving high target deposition and coverage critical.

Dr. Peter Larbi, assistant UCCE specialist in the Agricultural Application Engineering program (AgAppE Lab) at the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Parlier, spoke on the components of a good spray application at the 2020 UC Pistachio Day. Larbi is also working on an Expert System model for spray applications to help growers achieve optimum spray coverage. Larbi said that significant material loss can result from drift and ground fall out because of variability in tree canopy profile and size. Lack of calibration and maintenance of spray equipment and operator error also contribute to spray inefficiency. Material that does not contribute to pest or disease control represents a production cost without a return, he said.

Spray Application Basics

Airblast sprayers use high volume, high velocity air to transport spray material. They atomize the tank mix liquid and the fan air transports the droplets toward the target. Atomization produces a spray consisting of a spectrum of droplet sizes. Three things can happen to the droplets: they can drift beyond the canopy, they can hit the ground, or they can be intercepted by the tree canopy, i.e. they 4

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can hit the target. Research in citrus has shown that 18 to 26 percent of applied spray material is generally off-target. Six to 14 percent is lost to drift, 9 to 20 percent hits the ground. Environmental factors, such as wind, air temperature and humidity can negatively affect the efficiency of the spray application. Added to those are improper operating settings of the airblast sprayer, including nozzle design, operating pressure and the physical properties of the tank solution. Maintenance of the sprayer is critical for proper function, Larbi said. Parts, including the agitator in the tank, pressure gauges, pumps, nozzles and fan must be operating correctly. The rate and speed of the airflow also determine how much of the spray material reaches the target. These factors must be managed with the tree canopy size and foliage density in mind. The operator of the sprayer is one of the primary arbiters in an effective application. This person should be trained and knowledgeable about sprayer operation, be familiar with and follow best management practices, be attentive to the machinery and respond quickly when a problem arises.

Accurate Calibration

The airblast sprayer must be calibrated accurately to deliver the material. Calibration should be done at the beginning of the spray season and changes made when conditions, such as foliage density, warrant. Larbi noted that not all calibration steps are always necessary. Adjustments can be made to the components of the sprayer that are affected by the change in conditions.

May / June 2020

The spray application must be timed according to weather conditions and to the target pest for best control. The spray must be directed at the target canopy and adequately penetrate the canopy for optimal coverage. If in excess, penetration can lead to spray droplets exiting the target canopy without depositing on it. It is important, Larbi said, to take into account specific orchard conditions before starting a spray application. Adjustments in fan speed, ground speed and nozzles can achieve better efficiency. Making sure the droplets hit the target and are being retained there is important, and different situations may call for changes in the tank mix formulation, including the use of adjuvants to improve deposition. Target coverage can be assessed with the use of spray cards (see Larbi’s related article on March/April 2020 edition of Progressive Crop Consultant magazine for details.) These can show if the spray made it to the target, but do not show deposition.

Expert System Model Modeling and simulation tools developed by Larbi focus on efficiency – which is the amount of spray material reaching the target versus the amount of spray delivered by the airblast sprayer. Efficiency entails spray deposition. Larbi’s spray evaluation section of the Expert System can be used to simulate several different spray application scenarios by changing values of inputs and observing spray deposition. These scenarios may represent different optional settings a grower could use in the application. By comparing the outcomes—on-target deposition—of the various settings, the grower can identify the setting that would result in optimum spray material deposition.

Dr. Peter Larbi at the Kearney Ag Center has developed models and simulation tools to help improve the efficiency of spray applications (photo courtesy P. Larbi, UCCE.) Computer modeling utilizes the tree characteristics, application parameters, weather and orchard conditions to develop the optimal settings. Larbi said that validating a model with data from an actual field experiment provides confidence to trust the model’s predictions and to make decisions based on the model. Tree height, foliage density, and canopy diameter are the tree characteristics. Application parameters are the airflow rate, nozzle type and number of nozzles, operating pressure and ground speed. Temperature, relative humidity and wind are the weather parameters. Orchard conditions include number of trees per row, tree and row spacing and missing trees. Other parameters in the modeling are output per side, total volume applied, total area covered, application rate and number of trees sprayed. Using the model, inputting the parameters of the sprayer application and orchard design, is one way of improving the efficiency of the spray operation. In contrast, Larbi said that guessing the outcome of an airblast spray application for its canopy deposition, drift and ground fall-out is almost impossible. Modeling the simulation tools for predictions can improve decision making for better planning, Larbi said. CitrusSprayEx or similar tools can help. For more information on the Expert System, go to ucanr.edu/sites/CSEESDeploy/CitrusSprayEx_Resources/. Comments about this article? We want to hear from you. Feel free to email us at article@jcsmarketinginc.com

May / June 2020

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FINDING PRACTICAL ALTERNATIVES TO AGRICULTURAL PPE DURING THE CURRENT SHORTAGE By WHITNEY BRIM-DEFOREST | UCCE County Director, Sutter and Yuba Counties, LISA BLECKER | Coordinator, Pesticide Safety Education Program Coordinator, UC IPM Program, and KATRINA HUNTER | Pesticide Safety Writer, UC IPM Program

n March a national emergency was Suppliers are working to significantly declared for the novel Coronavirus ramp up production of PPE: The comand the Defense Production Act pany 3M announced plans to produce invoked to ensure that ventilators and 50 million units of respirators in the PPE are distributed to healthcare work- U.S. by June for domestic distribution, ers in response to the pandemic. compared to the 13 million manufacThis act empowers the Federal Emertured in the U.S. before the crisis. gency Management Agency, or FEMA, “There is a tremendous need, but to work from the top of the supply when you put that much supply chain chain and directly with manufacturers resources behind it, you intuitively of PPE, such as 3M and Dupont, to believe that we should catch up at some prioritize supplies of N-95 respirators, point,” Atwell says. He encourages protective clothing, and other PPE for agricultural producers to find ways to medical staff, ensuring that they receive communicate with each other and disthe supplies necessary to address the tribute PPE as one way to mitigate the pandemic. shortage. Atwell also suggests looking for lesser known brands of PPE: “Don’t Before the pandemic, 10 percent of just go to your first tier of choice.” N-95 respirators from 3M went to On their company website, disposable healthcare; that number is now 90 protective clothing is available from percent. brands like Keystone rather than the more recognizable Tyvek® coverall This has led to significant backorders from Dupont, including reusable of PPE supplies for distributors. Carl chemical-resistant clothing as opposed Atwell, president of Gempler’s, explains to their disposable counterpart. Supthat normal lead times for PPE before plies in high demand include reusable the crisis was up to 10 days. Now, curand disposable nitrile gloves, protecrent reports from suppliers shift daily tive clothing, and disposable respiraas manufacturers work to address the tors, including certain protective eyeexecutive order. wear, such as goggles and face shields. Although this could change in the days Estimated times for the availability of ahead, half-mask and full-mask respidisposable respirators suggest fall of rators are more available than disposthis year; and the estimated wait for able N-95 respirators for now. other PPE supplies is August. 6

Progressive Crop Consultant

May / June 2020

Since there are many of us in agriculture that will be applying pesticides soon or in the near future, here are some common questions and answers on how to meet PPE requirements as the shortage continues.

: I heard that the CDC is loosening regulations on PPE requirements for healthcare workers. Is this the case for agriculture?

Continued on Page 8

For applications using a backpack sprayer, where contact with spray residue is likely, coveralls should be added (all photos courtesy K. Hunter, UC IPM.)

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Continued from Page 6 Answer:

No. The label is the law. PPE requirements on pesticide labels are written by the U.S. EPA, while state PPE regulations are overseen by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation; neither of these agencies have loosened their regulations for PPE. : Should I stock up on PPE? Reusable cotton coveralls can be used if Tyvek coveralls are not available.

Answer:

No. Purchase the PPE that you anticipate needing for the growing season to avoid overstocking and shorting available supplies. Choose reusable PPE whenever possible. : What if I can’t find the respirator that is required on the pesticide label? Option 1: Seek alternative, more protective respirators:

If the pesticide label requires a particulate respirator, such as an N-95, you can wear an elastomeric mask respirator with organic vapor filtering cartridges, but only if N-95 particulate pre-filters are added.

• Applicators may not know how to decide which is the appropriate respirator to choose if the one the label requires them to wear is not available. For example, if the label requires a particulate respirator, such as an N-95, wearing a half mask respirator with organic vapor filtering cartridges will not protect you from particulates. However, wearing an organic vapor filtering cartridge with N-95 pre-filters will. • With an increase in PPE, the risk for heat illness increases.

Some common chemical resistant materials for gloves are barrier laminate, butyl rubber, nitrile rubber, neoprene rubber, natural rubber, polyethelyene, polyvinylchloride (PVC), and viton rubber.

• If an employee or applicator is wearing a different respirator than normal, they will need to repeat their medical evaluation, annual fit test and annual respirator safety training to correspond with the new respirator. Option 2: Seek alternative pesticide products that do not require a respirator:

• Currently, there is not one central list of pesticide products that require respirators, so a grower, applicator, or pest control advisor will need to consult all potential pesticide product labels for respirator requirements. Consider visiting www.agrian.com to review PPE requirements quickly in search results under the “safety” tab of a product.

: What if I can’t find the right chemical-

resistant gloves that are 14 mils thick?

Answer: Glove Category Selection Key developed by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) to help label readers identify the correct glove material.

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May / June 2020

Nitrile gloves are in high demand. Handlers must always wear gloves made of the material listed on the

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Face shields protect against splashing during mixing and loading. Goggles and safety glasses that meet all the requirements are an appropriate substitute for other handling tasks.

Continued from Page 8 label but consider searching for reusable chemical-resistant gloves made of other materials that still comply with the requirements of the label. Some common chemical resistant materials for gloves are barrier laminate, butyl rubber, nitrile rubber, neoprene rubber, natural rubber, polyethelyene, polyvinylchloride (PVC), and viton rubber. With the exception of barrier laminate and polyethylene, chemical resistant gloves are required to be at least 14 mils thick. Disposable gloves made out of chemical resistant materials listed on the label less than 14 mils thick can be worn, but for no more than 15 minutes at a time and then disposed of. This may be an option for mixers or handlers who are conducting tasks that require more dexterity. Consider that removing and replacing disposable gloves every 15 minutes is likely a requirement that is not feasible to comply with. Also, thinner gloves cannot be layered on top of one another to add up to 14 mil. 15 mil disposable nitrile gloves are manufactured by suppliers such as, Showa and Cordova Safety among others. If available, they can be worn for the duration of the handling task, so long as they remain intact. Reusable 15 or 22 mil nitrile gloves are compliant with the majority of handling tasks.

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: How do I know when to wear a coverall and which ones will protect me? Answer:

Coveralls must be worn if the pesticide label specifies they are required in the PPE section, or if handling a pesticide with a DANGER or WARNING signal word. For applications where contact with spray residue is likely, such as a backpack or air blast application, coveralls should be added. They can be made of any closely woven fabric, most commonly Tyvek or a tightly woven cotton. Coveralls must be provided by the employer and if a reusable cotton coverall is chosen, the employer is responsible for laundering them. A chemical resistant suit worn over work clothing is an appropriate substitute for coveralls, but there is an increase in the risk of heat illness when worn because they are made of a heavier material than most coveralls. : What if I can’t find a face shield?

Answer:

Face shields protect against splashing during mixing and loading and must be worn if specified by the pesticide label. The only substitute for wearing a face shield is using a full-face respirator.

May / June 2020

If the label does not specify that eyewear is required, or if it requires “protective eyewear,” you can choose to wear either a face shield, goggles, or safety glasses that provide front, side, and brow protection and meets the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z87.1 standard for impact resistance. If questions or concerns arise, contact your county agricultural commissioner for more information and assistance during this time. Carl Atwell from Gempler’s is willing to be a personal resource at this time for those wanting to discuss supplies of PPE and with other related questions. He can be reached at: carl@gemplers. com. Alec Garcia from Woodland Farm Supply in California is available to help with requests for supplies of N-95s or other masks that comply with regulations that come available. You can reach out to her directly and she can provide you with updated information regarding restocking at agarcia@growwest.com. Comments about this article? We want to hear from you. Feel free to email us at article@jcsmarketinginc.com

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Benefits of Being a Certified Crop Advisor in the Western United States Growers rely on the technical expertise of CCAs to maximize efficiency and navigate the regulatory landscape. By JEROME PIER | PhD CCA PCA Chair, West Region Certified Crop Advisors Board of Directors

CCAs have a deep knowledge of soil and water science and crop nutrition on which growers in California and Arizona have come to rely (photo by Marni Katz.)

alifornia and Arizona grow produce that feeds the United States and the world. The diversity and value of the products grown in the West require a high level of technical expertise. The intensity of specialty agriculture must be balanced with concern for the environment to ensure sustainable crop production for generations to come. For these reasons, and more, it has never been a better time to add the Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) credential to the Pest Control Advisor license. The two credentials are complimentary.

The Pest Control Advisor (PCA) program consists of thousands of individuals who are licensed to make recommendations of restricted use pesticides in California and Arizona. The 12

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PCA program is a great career choice for individuals who want to make a living in agriculture. PCAs who want to provide the highest level of service to their growers should consider becoming a Certified Crop Advisor. There is nothing more important to a crop advisor than their reputation for making their growers successful. The deep knowledge of soil and water science and crop nutrition required to become a CCA means a grower is working with the most well-rounded crop advisor in the industry. PCAs must study and display knowledge of integrated pest management (IPM) to receive their license. Integrated pest management emphasizes a holistic approach to controlling insects, weeds and diseases, relying on pestiMay / June 2020

cides only when good farming practices can no longer contain the pest. However, the overall performance objectives for the PCA license are focused on laws and regulations pertaining to pesticides and don’t capture the breadth and complexity of agronomic practices outside of pesticide use. CCAs have the knowledge and experience to put IPM into practice. Growers know that good pesticide recommendations prevent loss of productivity but adding a balanced irrigation and nutrition program can result in gains in yield, quality and return on investment.

Keeping Up With Changing Times CCAs must pass two challenging exams to obtain certification. The international exam tests the applicant’s general

knowledge of soil and water science, nutrient management, crop production, and pest management. The state exam is more specific to management of irrigated specialty crops common across California and Arizona. Students in agricultural colleges who are interested in becoming CCAs should speak with their advisors about developing an appropriate curriculum that will help the candidate pass the exams. The West Region CCA Board has a program to subsidize the registration fees for the CCA exams for students. Check the West Region Certified Crop Advisors (WRCCA.org/exams) web site for more information. Candidates must have a Bachelor of Science in an agronomic field of study and two years of experience before they obtain certification. CCAs must stay up to date

on current best agronomic practices by obtaining 40 continuing education hours every two years. When you are working with a PCA who also carries a CCA, you are working with the best. Farming practices are constantly changing to meet new challenges. Over the 20 years, I have worked as an agronomist in California, trees and vines have replaced field crop acres and drip and micro-sprinklers have replaced flood and furrow irrigation. Growers switched from applying heavy doses of nitrogen fertilizer alone to balanced blends with lower total nitrogen applications, and they realized higher yields. Ironically, as growers’ efficiency has improved, so has increased scrutiny of nitrate pollution of ground and surface waters. In order to sustain the rich bounty of California agricul-

A CCA understands how to use soil, water and plant tissue analysis to develop a balanced soil, water and nutrition program that meets crop needs (photo by Marni Katz.)

Continued on Page 14

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Continued from Page 13 ture into the future, documentation was needed to demonstrate that growers’ nitrogen fertilizer management practices were not contributing to ground water pollution. The California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) added ground water to the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program (ILRP) in 2012. Soon thereafter, farmer coalitions formed within watersheds to begin the process of collecting data on nitrogen management practices. It was apparent that many technically qualified agronomists were needed to accurately complete the nitrogen plans the coalitions would present to the SWRCB. Clearly, CCAs were the most qualified service providers when it came to nutrient management. Nitrogen management plans require soil testing, knowledge of a grower’s

fertility plan, yield forecasts and final harvest totals. CCAs have been proven to be one of the most trusted sources of information by growers in surveys across the United States. CCAs were a perfect fit to help build the data required to manage nitrogen on a watershed scale. Thanks to language in the ILRP, the West Region CCA program has grown since 2014 to have the largest number of CCAs. But being a CCA has benefits well beyond completing nitrogen management plans. Retail sales companies know that their business depends on strong fertilizer sales. A CCA understands how to use soil, water and plant tissue analysis to develop a balanced plant nutrition program that meets crop needs. Custom nutrient programs benefit the customer as they only spend money

on necessary nutrients and maximize return on investment. Ag businesses benefit, in turn, as profitable farmers can pay their bills. Custom nutrition benefits the environment by applying the right fertilizer at the right time, place and rate to reduce waste.

Optimizing Soil, Water and Nutrients Pesticide recommendations are made within a narrow regulatory framework and don’t allow for much creativity; one must follow the label. Fertilizer programs, on the other hand, can be very satisfying to create as there are many options and challenges to consider. In addition, technical expertise in managing water quality and soil salinity will be critical for the future as

Continued on Page 16

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May / June 2020

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Velum One applied at 6.5 oz./A, spring 2017, via drip irrigation. Trees planted in January 2017. Increase in green canopy pixels based on an average of two rows of untreated trees compared to an average of two rows of Velum One-treated trees.

© 2019 Bayer Group. Always read and follow label instructions. Bayer, the Bayer Cross, and Velum are registered trademarks of the Bayer Group. Not all products are registered for use in all states. For additional product information, call toll-free 1-866-99-BAYER (1-866-992-2937) or visit our website at www.CropScience.Bayer.us. Bayer CropScience LP, 800 North Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63167. CR0119VELONEB034S00R0

Continued from Page 14 marginal lands and water reuse become more important for food production. Watching a healthy crop yield a bountiful harvest while knowing you played a key role is a very satisfying experience. Many of the most successful salespeople carry both the PCA and CCA as they can provide whole farm solutions that improve a grower’s bottom line. Farmers in the western states face many challenges. As their operations increase in size and complexity, they have come to rely on the expertise that a PCA/ CCA offers. They can trust that pests are being dealt with and their fertility programs are based on sound agronomic principles that will bring the most profitable production at the end of the season. Farmers also know CCAs are collecting data to help them demonstrate to regulators they are using the most conservative practices possible to prevent ground and surface water pollution. The sustainable future of the

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West’s farming depends on CCAs. If you are already a CCA, we thank you for your membership. If you would like to become more involved in the WRCCA, there are regional committees that are looking for new members. Check wrcca.org for more information on regional committees. If you are not a CCA but are interested in the program, refer to both certifiedcropadvisor.org and wrcca.org for information on exams, performance objectives and many other topics related to the program. The Agronomy Society is making it easier to take exams by switching to remote proctoring. There are also many more opportunities to get continuing education hours on-line. Stay tuned for more articles from WRCCA Board members in the months ahead. Comments about this article? We want to hear from you. Feel free to email us at article@jcsmarketinginc.com

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CCAs provide whole farm solutions that improve a grower’s bottom line.

May/June 2020

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Early Management of Grapevine Powdery Mildew Pg.18

Early Season Vineyard Management Pg.28

Preparing for the Invasive Spotted Lanternfly Threat

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Figure 1. Rust colored scars on canes resulting from early season shoot infections.

Figure 2. Bloom infections can happen shortly after the flower cap is removed.

Early Management of Grapevine Powdery Mildew

Sound fungicide program is critical to prevent a recurrence of last year’s outbreak.

dormant canes display reddish-brown blotches on the cane surface from mildew infections the previous year (Figure 1). Infected overwintering buds give rise to flag shoots: Young shoots that emerge pre-infected with powdery mildew that provide spring inoculum. Without an early management program, spring infections persist and continue to infect new green tissue as spores move with the air current.

With an inoculum source present, berry infections can happen as early By GABRIEL TORRES | UCCE Viticulture Farm Advisor as bloom (Figure 2) and remain active STEPHEN VASQUEZ | Sun-Maid Growers Technical Viticulturist through veraison. Established berry infections will spread and continue to thrive until fruit reaches a sugar level owdery mildew, Erysyiphe susceptible varieties. of 12 to 15 Brix. Higher sugar levels necator (formally known as Uncicause powdery mildew colonies to die, Disease Cycle nula necator), is the most importleaving a web-like scar on the berry ant fungal disease that impacts grape Grapevine powdery mildew is an (Figure 3). As berries continue to grow, production 3,7. During the 2019 season, obligate parasite and thus must infect the scars crack and release juice, leadCalifornia’s grape growers’ late response live plant tissues to survive. Specifically, ing to secondary bunch and sour rot to the pathogen’s early infections repowdery mildew infects green tissues, infections. These infections will attract sulted in an outbreak that was difficult including leaves, shoots, rachises and fruit flies and beetles that may cause to manage the remainder of the season. berries. A single mildew spore can additional damage to any remaining Highly susceptible varieties (i.e. Fiesta, germinate, develop a penetration peg healthy fruit (Figure 4). Selma Pete, Flame Seedless, Cabernet and haustoria (similis est; root) that Sauvignon and Chardonnay) experitaps into an individual grapevine cell Leaf, rachis and shoot infections will enced heavy infections resulting in poor and produces a new colony within five continue post veraison at temperatures fruit quality and reduced yields. Even days. Under optimal temperatures below 85 degrees F. As temperatures tolerant grape varieties like Colombard (i.e. 70 to 85 degrees F), unprotected increase (i.e. above 95 degrees F) and Rubired experienced substantial succulent green tissues will be rapidly fungal growth decreases. Colonies and powdery mildew infections during the colonized by powdery mildew, causing spores fully exposed to sustained high season. Some vineyards planted to the significant damage in a short period of temperatures and direct sunlight will most susceptible varieties experienced time. In spring, shortly after bud break, perish over time (after around 10 to 12 up to 50-percent crop loss due to berry temperatures are often cool, leading hours). Mild rachis infections are not infections and poor maturity that imto slow and steady growth of grape particularly damaging to raisin and pacted quality and yield. Because 2019 foliage and powdery mildew until the wine grapes; however, severe rachis inwas such a “bad” mildew season, grape weather warms. This season, the first fections can inhibit ripening and result growers should immediately implement visible infections will be the result of in berry and cluster detachment and a robust fungicide program that starts overwintering bud infections from should be managed when considering early and focuses on exceptional covthe 2019 season. These types of infecmechanical harvesting. When growing erage beginning shortly after budbreak tions, known as bud perennation, are table grapes, even mild rachis infecin 2020, especially when farming highly commonly observed on vines whose tions can cause significant damage due

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Figure 3. Web-like scarring begins to appear as berry sugar increases and the fungus dies.

to diminished appearance and may contribute to rachis and fruit desiccation and shatter and should be avoided with a good fungicide program. As autumn approaches and grapevines prepare for dormancy, powdery mildew is preparing too. Powdery mildew overwinters as chasmothecia (formerly known as cleistothecia), which are melanized (hardened) resistant structures found on senescing leaves and second crop fruit (Figure 5). Chasmothecia, filled with asci and ascospores, eventually fall from the leaves and unharvested fruit and may overwinter in bark. In the spring, chasmothecia absorb moisture from rain or dew, crack open, and disperse ascospores onto the bottoms of grape leaves, thereby completing the powdery mildew lifecycle and starting new infections. Chasmothecia is the fungi’s sexual stage and responsible in part for the “mixing” of genetic material that contributes to fungicide resistance. According to Bettiga et al. (2013), “The amount of overwintering mildew capable of starting disease is directly proportional to the amount of disease in the previous year.” Given the 2019 powdery mildew epidemic that many

Continued on Page 20

Figure 4. Fruit flies become attracted to decaying fruit and will transfer fungal spores from sour rot fungi.

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Continued from Page 19 grape growers experienced, a sound fungicide program from bud break to post-harvest should be implemented this season.

Powdery Mildew Management

consider treating highly susceptible varieties for powdery mildew to reduce the overwintering inoculum that will impact the following growing season. Fall fungicide applications should be done while the leaves are still green and powdery mildew begins to produce chasmothecia.

Once buds have broken, powdery mildew has already begun the cycle of infection. Management should start once most buds have significant green Before bud break, a late dormant applitissue (i.e. 2 to 3 leaves). At this stage cation of lime-sulfur has been shown the application of a contact product to minimize spring infections. The sucsuch as natural or petroleum-based oils, cess of a delayed dormant application potassium bicarbonate, hydrogen peris based on a high volume of water that oxide and wettable sulfurs are preferred. soaks the bark of the head and cordons. These products are often referred to as Once wet, chasmothecia absorb the al“soft chemistries,” working well early kaline solution that kills the ascospores, season when powdery mildew poputhus reducing springtime inoculum. lations are low and direct contact with The combination of post-harvest and the pathogen is easily achieved. These delayed dormant fungicide applications types of fungicides often need to be rewill reduce disease pressure in the applied within 7 to 10 days due to their spring. short-term efficacy. They are low risk contributors to fungicide resistance and Some growers opt for a dusting sulcomplement a seasonal program that fur-only management program, which includes synthetic fungicides, which can be successful with grape varieties have documented powdery mildew that are highly tolerant of powdery milresistance around the world. dew and during suboptimal pathogen environmental conditions. Sulfur is the Prior to bloom, a good management oldest fungicide used in grape proprogram is necessary to avoid powdery duction and no one has documented mildew outbreaks that can compromise powdery mildew resistance. However, the developing clusters. Grapevines when using dusting sulfur exclusiveand powdery mildew grow vigorously ly for powdery mildew management, with ideal weather during this time there are some weather factors to of the season. During rapid growth, a consider. Dusting sulfur works best management program that includes when air temperatures are greater than synthetic fungicides is recommended 65 degrees F, with an optimal range of through veraison for raisin and wine 85 to 100 degrees F. At these temperagrapes. If temperatures are between tures, the goal is to “replace” the dead 70 to 85 degrees F, the pathogen will air within the grapevine canopy with rapidly reproduce, so shorter spray dusting sulfur so it can cover foliage intervals are needed. It is also recomand “volatilize”. Dusting sulfur is less mended that a sulfur program be main- effective at lower temperatures, and tained when shorter spray intervals are poor control has been observed but can necessary, to help prevent mildew from be remedied with higher rates that covdeveloping resistance to other active er the foliage. Sulfur works by disruptingredients. Table grape growers should ing cell respiration of powdery mildew scout for powdery mildew frequently through contact or as a gas that enters during this time since mild rachis the cell. When applied during higher infections can cause significant damage temperatures and low humidity or during storage through desiccation and when temperatures fluctuate between secondary pathogen (i.e. Botrytis) inlow and high within a short period fections. Post-harvest, growers should of time, tissue damage (burn) can be

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Figure 6. Water/Oil sensitive paper is used to determine spray coverage. The yellow paper will turn shades of blue/purple as moisture hits it. The lack of yellow indicates good coverage.

experienced. A dusting sulfur-only program can be successful when short 7-day intervals between applications are maintained throughout the season. Despite some challenges with dusting sulfur applications, it is still an excellent powdery mildew fungicide. Other forms that work well for managing powdery mildew are wettable, flowable or micronized sulfur. These forms of sulfur can be tank mixed with other fungicides to minimize fungicide resistance. However, it is important to check with your licensed pest control advisor (PCA) to identify incompatibility issues prior to any applications.

Crop Management

Although fungicide sprays are the primary method for managing powdery mildew, good coverage is absolutely necessary to be successful. Cultural practices like leaf and shoot removal, cluster and berry thinning improve fungicide efficacy. These practices help open the canopy and improve airflow and light penetration and allow for better fungicide coverage. The use of water/ oil sensitive paper can help determine if coverage is an issue. Poor coverage is indicated by water/oil sensitive paper that remains yellow, while good coverage will turn different shades of blue/ purple (Figure 6) depending on coverage. It is important to note that leaf removal needs to be balanced to improve fungicide coverage without overexposing the fruit, or negatively impacting vine growth or fruit maturity.

Continued on Page 22

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Continued from Page 20 Irrigation and nutrition management should also be considered when managing diseases. Vigorously growing vines will have plenty of new succulent growth which is the most susceptible to powdery mildew infections. Over application of water and nutrients can be costly in both disease management and labor to remove unnecessary leaves and shoots and canes during winter pruning.

Additional factors that may negatively impact fungicide applications are water quality and sprayer calibration, including nozzle spray pattern and direction. Poor water quality (i.e. high/low pH) can cause chemicals to precipitate and clog nozzles. A jar test is a great way to determine the potential for problems that may arise in the tank. Sprayer calibration is critical to optimizing fungicide efficacy. Poorly calibrated equip-

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ment leads to poor coverage and wasted money. Finally, well-trained personnel can minimize many of the application errors that we’ve all seen and experienced. Issues like chemical incompatibility or plugged nozzles identified early can be the difference between 40 acres of grapes that are protected or decimated from powdery mildew.

Fungicide Resistance and Management Since the 1970’s, synthetic fungicides have been important tools for modern agriculture6. Compared to “soft chemistries,” they are usually used in smaller doses and allow for longer intervals between applications. Synthetic fungicides affect different biological processes. Synthetic fungicides often target a single biological process (e.g. cell wall composition, respiration, cell division, etc.). When compared to “soft chemistry” products they are most effective when the canopy has developed because many are mobile within the plant (systemic). The systemic nature of modern fungicides can allow for longer intervals between applications, thus reducing the total number of applications within a season. However, the repeated use of fungicides that target the same biological process can select for powdery mildew populations with mutations that allow them to bypass the affected process, and thus resist the fungicide action. All organisms, including fungi, have evolved to overcome challenging environments. Some of the methods used by all organisms include: overexpression of the target site (i.e. overexpression of the promoter region of CYP51 gene confers resistance to DMI fungicides in Penicillium digtatum13), toxic compound removal upon detection (i.e. DMI fungicides are pumped out by ABC transporters in Aspergillus nidulans12), produce antagonistic compounds that destroy the toxic compound or modify the site where the toxic compound is binding (i.e. degradation of kresoxim-methyl (QoI) through esterase production within E. necator9) and mutate the pesticide

Continued on Page 24 22

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Continued from Page 22 binding site. Binding site mutations are the most common method observed by fungi to overcome fungicide efficacy. A current example of this type of powdery mildew resistance is the strobilurins (FRAC 11), which is a 143-codon mutation identified for powdery mildew and other fungi. The mutation represents an amino acid exchange from glycine to alanine, which impacts the effectiveness of the strobilurins for powdery mildew management.

Fungicide resistance is expensive for farmers and consumers. The cost of introducing a new fungicide from discovery to market is roughly US $300 million and takes approximately 12 years 1. Moreover, new fungicide field durability developed for a specific pathogen depends mostly on how it is used. Frequent uses of the same pesticide can result in selection of resistant fungal populations in a short period of time. In California, triadimefon (a DMI fungicide), was introduced in 1982 for grapevine powdery mildew and gray

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mold control. Four years later, “largescale” crop loss was observed due to poor management2. Researchers believe the use of triadimefon as an eradicant rather than a protectant, at low application rates, at the wrong time of the season and with poor sprayer calibration resulted in this fungicide failure. Additionally, growers significantly reduced or eliminated sulfur from their programs, which hasten the loss of triadimefon as a powdery mildew management tool.

What is Being Done About Fungicide Resistance? In order to minimize fungicide resistance and prevent agricultural losses due to application failures, 35 agrochemical companies met in 1981 and created the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee5 (FRAC). Currently, the six largest agrochemical companies lead the committee. The approach used by FRAC is to classify fungicides by their mode of action (MOA), which focuses on how they interfere with pathogen cells and disrupt the growth and/or reproduction of fungi. There are more than 50 MOAs identified that are used in agriculture around the world. Fungicide resistance varies from one fungicide group to another. In imidazoles and triazoles fungicides (syn. DMIs), multiple genes are involved and commercial resistance can occur within 4 to 7 years. Resistance in strobilurins (syn. QoIs) depends on a single mutation; resistance for QoIs developed in two years2,4. In California, powdery mildew resistance happened in 5 years and is now experienced throughout the US 11. The speed and risk of how resistance develops is key to designing a spray program that maximizes control without accelerating resistance. For grapevine powdery mildew, resistance to QoIs, DMIs, SDHIs and quinolone fungicides has been documented in the US (Table 1) 2. Fungicide efficacy losses have brought attention to the importance of protecting them and encouraging control programs that include multiple modes of action. This practice will save fungicide groups that are vulnerable to resistance and give them longevity in powdery mildew management programs around the world

VINEYARD REVIEW

The most efficient way to manage resistance is to rotate between fungicide classes (i.e. modes of action). All fungicide labels include the mode of action or FRAC Classification on the label (See Figure 7). It is very important that growers identify the MOA and not use products from the same category throughout the season. Different brand names and chemical families can share the same FRAC code and rotating among the same group will result in resistance. It is also very important that growers strictly follow the manufacturer’s label application recommendations to avoid fungicide resistance. On the label, the manufacturers list the crop, recommended rate and timing for a product’s legal application. The number of applications and or maximum amounts per season is limited based on environmental impacts and/or the potential to

Continued on Page 26

FRAC Class

Group name

Mode of action

Resistance Risk

Is resistance present? (First report in USA)

DMI-Demethylation Inhibitor

Sterol Biosynthesis inhibitor

Medium for PM

Yes, reduction in efficacy is observed. (Triadimefon, California,1986)1

SDHI Succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor

Cellular respiration inhibitor

Medium for PM

Yes, reduction in efficacy is observed. (USA West region, 2019)2

QoI Quinone outside inhibitor

Cellular respiration inhibitor

High for all pathogens

Yes, total reduction in efficacy is observed. (New York, 2002)1

Azanaphtalenes

Signal transduction inhibitor

Medium for all pathogens

Yes, reduction in efficacy is observed. (Qunoxifen, Virginia, 2013) 1

unknown

Medium

Aryl-phenyl-ketones

Yes, reduction in efficacy is observed (metrafenone, lab test, Europe, 2015)3.

Phenyl -acetamide

unknown

High

Resistance present in different species of mildew

Table 1. Fungicides groups used to manage grapevine powdery mildew.

GROUP

FUNGICIDE

1. Data from baudoin et al 2. 2. Data from Mahaffee 10. 3. Data from Graf et al 8.

Figure 7. Example of how FRAC group is presented on labels.

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Table 2. Fungicide rotational program for powdery mildew management without a repeat between FRAC groups. *For fungicide recommendations consult with a licensed Pest Control Advisor (PCA) or manufacture representative.

Growth stage*

Dormancy

1-2 weeks after budbreak (to reduce initial inoculum)

12-inch shoots Option 4 Sulfur every hydrogen peroxide 7 - 10 days

Multiple

Option 3 inorganic salts Multiple

Multiple

Product* (ai)

Lime sulfur*

Option 1 Sulfur

Option 2 Oils

MOA

Multiple

FRAC

Growth stage

12-inch shoots

Pre bloom

Bloom

Product* (ai) MOA

Cyflufenamid

Azoxystrobin

unknown

FRAC

FRAC U06

Fruit set

Quinoxifen

3 weeks after fruit set Myclobutanil Fluopyram

Pre harvest

Metrafenone

QoI

Quinoline

DMI

SDHI

unknown

FRAC 11

FRAC 13

FRAC 3

FRAC 7

FRAC 50

Continued from Page 25 manage the target organism while protecting the product against resistance. The minimum amount to be used that will have an impact on the pathogen population and control the pest at optimal levels is also shown. Using doses below the recommended rate can promote resistance.

Best Management Practices to Minimize Fungicide Resistance The first step in powdery mildew management is to reduce early season inoculum, which will lead to less disease. Early control with soft chemistries shortly after bud break will improve season long management. When shoots reach 12 inches in length, the vine is preparing for fruiting and becomes very susceptible to powdery mildew. At this stage, it is important to incorporate synthetic fungicides. Based on powdery mildew incidence and temperatures, synthetic fungicide spray intervals can be shortened or extended. To reduce the risk of resistance development, use the manufacturers’ label rates and apply products that represent different FRAC groups. The use of DMIs or strobilurins to start or finish a season’s management program should be avoided. Powdery mildew resistance

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to those specific groups is common and should be protected by using sulfur or other contact materials early in the season. Rotate between FRAC codes as much as possible. An example of a spray program rotating among FRAC groups (i.e. different modes of action = MOA) is presented in Table 2. It is important to develop a fungicide program to match the production type (i.e. wine vs table grape), variety, trellis and weather for a vineyard. To improve fungicide efficacy, cultural practices like leaf removal should be implemented to optimize application cost and control. Properly calibrated equipment and trained personnel will further improve the management of grapevine powdery mildew. For additional information on managing powdery mildew or other grapevine pests or diseases, contact your local UC Cooperative Farm Advisor or visit the UC IPM pest management website at http://www. ipm.ucanr.edu. For fungicide recommendations consult with a licensed Pest Control Advisor (PCA) or manufacture representative. Comments about this article? We want to hear from you. Feel free to email us at article@jcsmarketinginc.com

May / June 2020

Cited Literature 1. Arnason R. Fungicide Registration Costs Skyrocket. West Prod. 2017:Online. https://www.producer.com/2017/05/ fungicide-registration-costs-skyrocket/. 2. Baudoin ABAM, Wilcox WF, Gubler WD. Fungicide Resistance in North American Grape Production. In: Stevenson KL, McGrath MT, Wyenandt CA, eds. Fungicide Resistance in North America. Second. St Paul, Minnesota; 2019:198-208. 3. Bettiga LJ, Gubler WD, Leavitt GM. Powdery Mildew. In: Grape Pest Management. Third. Richmond, Ca: University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources; 2013:137-149. 4. Brent KJ, Hollomon DW. Fungicide Resistance: The Assessment of the Risk. 2nd ed. Brussels: FRAC; 2007. http:// www.frac.info. 5. CropLife International/RAC. Fungicide Resistance Action Committee - FRAC. www.frac.info. Published 2020. Accessed January 3, 2020. 6. Dekker J. Development of Resistance to Modern Fungicides and Strategies for its Avoidance. In: Lyr H, ed. Modern Selective Fungicides: Properties, Applications, Mechanisms of Action. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Gustav Fischer Verlag; 1995:23-38. 7. Gadoury DM, Wilcox WF, Rumbolz J, Gubler WD. Powdery Mildew. In: Wilcox WF, Gubler WD, Uyemoto JK, eds. Compendium of Grape Diseases, Disorders and Pests. Second Edi. St Paul, Minnesota: APS Press; 2015:75-83. 8. Graf S, Zito R, Gold RE, Stammle G, Re G, Stammler G. Status of In Vivo and Molecular Diagnosis of Fungicide Resistance in Powdery Mildews. In: Deising HB, Fraaije B, Mehl A, Oerke EC, Sierotzk HJ, Stammler G, eds. Modern Fungicides and Antifungal Compounds. Vol VIII. III. Braunschweig, Germany: Deutsche Phytomedizinische Gesellschaf; 2017:243-248. https://plant-protection.net/fileadmin/documents/ Verlag/02_SP/05_Reinhard/2016_Einzelbeitraege/41_Graf_ et_al_Status_of_In_Vivo_and_Molecular_Diagnosis_of_ Fungicide_Resistance_in_Powdery_Mildews_0294-sp-2017Reinh-41-2.pdf. 9. Lucas JA, Hawkins NJ, Fraaije BA. The Evolution of Fungicide Resistance. Vol 90. (Sariaslani S, Gaad GM, eds.). Academic Press; 2015. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.aambs.2014.09.001. 10. Mahaffee WF. Assessing Fungicide Resistance of Grape Powdery Mildew in Wine, Table and Raisin Grapes. Napa, CA; 2019. https://www.avf.org/research-summary/assessingfungicide-resistance-of-grape-powdery-mildew-in-winetable-and-raisin-grapes-2/. 11. Sierotzki H, Stammler G. Resistance of Plant Pathogens to QoI Fungicides (FRAC Code 11). In: Stevenson KL, McGrath MT, Wyenandt CA, eds. Fungicide Resistance in North America. Second. St Paul, Minnesota; 2019:97-113. 12. Waard MA. Significance of ABC Transporters in Fungicide Sensitivit y and Resistance. Pestic Sci. 1997;51:271-275. 13. Zhonghua M, Michailides TJ. Advances in understanding molecular mechanisms of fungicide resistance and molecular detection of resistant genotypes in phytopathogenic fungi. 2005;24:853-863. doi:10.1016/j.cropro.2005.01.011.

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May / June 2020

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VINEYARD REVIEW

EARLY SEASON VINEYARD MANAGEMENT GOOD MANAGEMENT DECISIONS EARLY IN THE SEASON PAY DIVIDENDS DOWN THE ROAD

By GEORGE ZHUANG | UCCE Viticulture Farm Advisor, Fresno County

arly season vineyard management is critical for several reasons. First, the grapevine microclimate and fungal disease severity at early season largely affect the yield, e.g., yield loss and fruit unarketability due to fungal disease, and fruit quality, e.g., Brix and color for red varieties; second, some missteps in early season vineyard practices might hinder the following year’s success if they affect bud fruitfulness; finally, optimal early management might save you money on pest/disease management.

The season starts at budbreak and once buds start to push, the clock begins clicking. Although several vineyard practices during grapevine dormancy might also be important, such as pruning and fungicide application (e.g., lime sulfur), I will focus on post-budbreak vineyard management in this article. The most important steps during early season vineyard management include:

The objectives of early season vineyard management are simple and straightforward: To sustain yield with desired fruit quality at harvest with low disease/pest pressure. Irrigation, grapevine nutrition, pest/disease pressure, canopy management, and crop level all Handleafing on Petite Sirah (all photos courtesy G. Zhuang.)

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May/June 2020

Continued on Page 30

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Continued from Page 28 play in the formula to decide the timing and severity of vineyard practices at the early growing stage.

Irrigation

offer the complete solution if the excessive growth resulted from too much precipitation or irrigation. Understanding when and how much to irrigate is beyond the scope of this article. However, some basic tools, such as visual assessment and soil moisture meter, can generally serve the purpose of deciding when to irrigate. Other irrigation scheduling tools, e.g., crop evapotranspiration (ETc), can also offer information on how much to irrigate on a daily or weekly basis. Managing irrigation and adjusting the canopy accordingly can optimize yield and fruit quality, along with the effectiveness of fungicide/ pesticide programs, and that will improve your profit and reduce your fungicide/pesticide costs.

According to retired UCCE Viticulture Specialist Dr. Larry Williams, in a year with normal winter rainfall, a typical San Joaquin Valley (SJV) vineyard might not require irrigation until bloom, which might be approximately late April or early May in the SJV depending on weather, site, variety, and other farming practices. However, the timing of first irrigation can vary dramatically based on the winter and spring precipitation. Too much irrigation or precipitation at an early canopy development stage can promote rapid shoot growth and create a large and dense canopy which increases shading and relative humidity (RH) inside the canopy favoring fungal diseases, such as phomopsis, botrytis, and Nutrition powdery mildew. Managing grapevine nutrition serves two purposes: First, Canopy management such as shoot thinning, leafing and cane to make sure there are no nutrient deficiencies that could trimming can alleviate some negative effects from excessive vigor limit yield level or fruit quality; second, to make sure or dense canopy. However, canopy management alone might not there are no excessive or even detrimental levels of nutrients that could also lead to reduced yield potential and fruit quality, unnecessary expense, and unwanted effects on the environment. Among grape nutrients, N has the most impact on vine vigor and canopy growth. Excessive N either from fertilizer application or irrigation water can promote excessive canopy growth causing shading and high RH inside of the canopy. As a result, excessive shading can impact the fruit-zone microclimate, and create high RH, favoring fungal disease, which will reduce fruit quality/marketability and basal bud fruitfulness for the following year’s crop.

"The objectives of early season vineyard management are simple and straightforward: to sustain yield with desired fruit quality at harvest with low disease/pest pressure. Irrigation, grapevine nutrition, pest/disease pressure, canopy management and crop level all play in the formula to decide the timing and severity of vineyard practices at the early growing stage."

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May / June 2020

Opening the canopy by shoot thinning, leafing and cane trimming can increase the exposure of basal buds and clusters and improve spray coverage and air circulation. However, like irrigation, canopy management might not be enough to correct the negative impact resulting from excessive N status, if N is left unchecked, an oversupply of N will promote the canopy growth to diminish any benefit from canopy management. Growers should conduct a visual assessment and consider laboratory results, and rely on historical records, like yield and pest/disease conditions, to adjust the grapevine nutrition program. Among all the measures, bloom petiole or leaf blade tests are recommended to take a snapshot of early vine nutrient status that will give growers enough time to adjust the fertilizer program accordingly. Grapevine bloom petiole critical values are published in Table 1. Be cautious with N critical value. The N critical value was solely established on data based on Thompson Seedless with own root. Growers should judge the grapevine N status

Continued on Page 32

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VINEYARD REVIEW

Table 1. Guide for grape petiole tissue analysis at bloom* (reproduced from the Raisin Production Manual, UC ANR Publication 3393)

on this sprawl trellis, is an important *Critical values are guidelines to help identify potential Canopy management, such as shoot positioning part of early season vineyard fertilizer needs. Growers experience and vineyard management. Canopy management, such as shoot positioning on this sprawl trellis, is an important part of early season vineyard

management. 4-4-4

4-4-4 Mechanical leafing on Ruby Cabernet at bloom. Mechanical leafing on Ruby Cabernet at bloom.

general health will need to determine a vineyard’s nutritional requirements. The critical values are generally acceptable for all varieties with the exception of NO3-N, and NO3-N values are based solely on data from Thompson Seedless on own roots.

Figure 1. A. mechanical shoot thinning on bi-lateral cordon trellis. B. shoot with clusters removed from spur on 3rd leaf (all graphics courtesy G. Zhuang.)

Figure 1. A. mechanical shoot thinning on bi-lateral cordon trellis. B. shoot with clusters removed from spur on 3rd leaf all graphics courtesy G.shoot Zhuang.) Figure 1. A. mechanical thinning on bi-lateral cordon trellis. B. shoot with clusters removed from spur on 3rd leaf all graphics courtesy G. Zhuang.)

Figure 2 A. Exposed cluster-zone after mechanical leafing at berry pea size. B. Water sensitive papers located at the cluster zone show different spray coverage after leafing.

Figure 2 A. Exposed cluster-zone after mechanical leafing at berry pea size. B. Water sensitive papers located at the cluster different spray coverage after leafing Figurezone 2 A.show Exposed cluster-zone after mechanical leafing at berry pea size. B. Water sensitive papers located at the

Continued Page cluster zone showfrom different spray30 coverage after leafing with additional information, e.g., vine general health, vigor and yield.

Canopy Management

As I discussed previously, typical grapevine canopy management includes shoot thinning, shoot positioning, leafing and cane trimming. Based on the trellis type, growers might not need to apply all of them. Most common practices in the SJV are shoot thinning, leafing, and canopy trimming and all 32

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of them can be performed mechanically. Shoot thinning is typically conducted when shoots are 8 to 10 inches; the objectives are to reduce shoot density and improve light exposure inside of the canopy as well as reduce the crop level. In the SJV, few growers adopted this practice due to the potential yield loss. However, shoot thinning can be beneficial when the vines are young with excessive crop or vines that have

May / June 2020

an excessive number of fruitful buds following mechanical pruning (see Figure 1). Shoot thinning regulates the crop load to avoid the negative impact of overcropping on berry ripening and potential carryover effect on the following year’s crop. Many researchers have shown the benefits of shoot thinning and a few have demonstrated the feasibility of mechanical shoot thinning (Geller and Kurtural 2012). However, the benefit of shoot thinning might gradually diminish during the season

VINEYARD REVIEW

if the irrigation is unchecked since the canopy could recover and refill the gaps when water is abundant. Leafing aims to increase light exposure on clusters and basal buds to improve the fruit quality and bud fruitfulness as well as improve spray coverage and lower disease pressure (Figure 2). Both timing and severity of leafing are critical to achieve success. Leafing after veraison typically has no or negative effect on fruit quality, especially in the SJV. Leafing around berry set is commonly recommended to improve the color of red grape varieties, and studies show better results from mechanical leafing in comparison to hand leafing. Recently, several studies including a couple in Fresno and Madera, have proven pre-bloom or bloom mechanical leafing might offer the most benefits in comparison to classical berry set leafing. Compared to berry set leafing, bloom leafing offers more or similar fruit quality benefits with less cost by eliminating the need for shoot positioning prior to leafing, since most shoots are vertically positioned at bloom (Figure 3 and 4, see page 34). In cool climates and less productive vine systems, pre-bloom or bloom leafing might reduce berry set and ultimately decrease yield (Achimovic. et al. 2016). However, in our study and other studies in the SJV (Cook et al. 2015), no effect on berry set and yield has been observed, and the effect on berry set and yield from leafing prior to bloom may largely depend on growing conditions and severity of leaf area reduction from leafing. Cane trimming is used to open the canopy for light exposure and increase air circulation in order to reduce RH and fungal disease pressure when the canopy is excessive and dense. However, severe canopy trimming might result in significant loss of leaf area that can delay the berry ripening by reducing the photosynthetic productivity (Figure 5, see page 34). Severe canopy

Continued on Page 34

Canopy management, such as shoot positioning on this sprawl trellis, is an important part of early season vineyard management.

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Continued from Page 33 trimming might also over-expose the cluster and cause sunburn before harvest. The goal of canopy trimming is to effectively open the canopy without severely reducing functional leaves and over-exposing the fruit.

Management of Pinot gris in a Warm Climate. American Journal of Enology and Viticuture. 64: 65-73. Acimovic, D., Tozzini, L., Green, A., Sivilotti, P., and Sabbatini, P. 2016. Identification of a defoliation severity threshold for changing fruitset, bunch morphology and fruit composition in Pinot Noir. Austalian Journal of Grape and Wine Research. https://doi. org/10.1111/ajgw.12235. Cook, M., Zhang, Y., Nelson, C., Gambetta, G., Kennedy, J., and Kurtural, K. 2015. Anthocyanin Composition of Merlot is Ameliorated by Light Microclimate and Irrigation in Central California. American Journal of Enology and Viticulture. 66: 266-278

In conclusion, canopy management should be integrated with water and nutrient management as part of early season vineyard practices paying attention to pest/disease management, growing conditions (e.g., climate, soil condition, and irrigation water availability and quality) and production goals to achieve the maximum production efficiency with low disease and pest pressure.

Reference: Comments about this article? We want Figure 5. Canopy trimming too close to the cordon damages igure 5. Canopy trimming too Geller, J. and Kurtural, K. 2012. Meto hear from you. Feel free to email us at the canes and leaves which delays ripening and over-exposes clusters. chanical Canopy and Crop-Load amages the canes and leaves whicharticle@jcsmarketinginc.com delays ripening and over-exposes clusters.

Figure 3. A. Bloom leafing and B. berry set leafing. Bloom leafing was two or three weeks prior to berry set leafing in 2018 and 2019.

[ED NOTE: Put near the Nutrition section]] Table 1. Guide for grape petiole tissue analysi Figure 3. A. bloom leafing and B. berry set leafing. Bloom leafing was two or three weeks prior to berry set leafing in rom the Raisin Production Manual, UC ANR Publication 3393) 2018 and 2019.

K Mg n

0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2

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Figure 4. A and B. bloom mechanical leafing

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increased the berry anthocyanins the most in Adequate Excessive 2018 and 2019 when the berry accumulated sugar measured by Brix. (above) >500 2,000 0.15 1.5 0.30 26 30

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VINEYARD REVIEW

Preparing for the Invasive Spotted Lanternfly Threat

Adult spotted lanternfly on grapes in Pennsylvania (all photos and graphics courtesy S. Darra.)

Invasive Pest Could Find its Way to California Crops

By SURENDRA K. DARA | Entomology & Biologicals Advisor, UCCE, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties Spotted lanternflies were first reported in the U.S. in Pennsylvania and have since spread significantly on the East Coast. The tree of heaven, which is also an invasive species in the United States, is a favorite host of SLF.

n 2014, Pennsylvania reported the occurrence of a large planthopper, the spotted lanternfly (SLF), in Berks County. SLF (Lycorma delicatula) is a hemipteran insect of the family Fulgoridae and is thought to have arrived in the US on a shipment of stones in 2012. Ever since it was found in Pennsylvania, it rapidly spread to many states with infestations currently present in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. SLF has also been found, without established populations, in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and North Carolina as of March 2020. SLF is native to China and has a wide host range including fruit trees such as apple, apricot, cherry, and peach; ornamental or woody trees such as birch, black walnut, dogwood, lilac, maple, pine, poplar, and tree of heav-

Continued on Page 38

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May / June 2020

Female SLF deposit eggs in batches of 30 to 50 and cover them with a yellowish brown waxy protective deposit.

VINEYARD REVIEW

Continued from Page 36 en; and grapes. The tree of heaven, which is also an invasive species in the United States, is a favorite host of SLF. Considering the history of the spread of invasive pests from other areas to California, the presence of tree of heaven throughout California, and the importance of the grape industry and others susceptible hosts to the California economy, it is important to be aware of this pest and strategies to mitigate its potential negative impact.

Biology

SLF adults are about 1” with tan-colored forewings that have black spots and markings and hind wings having red, black, and white coloration and black spots. The abdomen is yellow with dark bands. Females deposit eggs in batches of 30 to 50 and cover them with a yellowish-brown waxy protective deposit. Eggs are the overwintering stage of SLF. Nymphs emerge in spring and go through four instars. First to third instar nymphs are black with white markings and the fourth instar is red with black and white markings.

Lifecycle of the spotted lanternfly.

Damage

SLF can occur in large numbers and suck plant sap with their needle-like mouthparts, reduce the plant vigor, and can cause mortality in severe cases. Copious amounts of honeydew secreted by SLF promotes the development of sooty mold, which affects photosynthesis when on foliage or quality when on fruits. Since SLF infests several landscape trees and populations build in large numbers, it can also be a nuisance in urban and landscape areas.

Spread SLF can fly and spread to long distances through wind currents. They typically land on large trees

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May / June 2020

VINEYARD REVIEW

Potential means of SLF dispersal and introduction into new areas

Although adults maybe detected and removed, eggs deposited on packages, vehicles, and other surfaces could be dispersed to new areas and become sources of infestation. Although adults may be detected and removed, eggs deposited on packages, vehicles, and other surfaces could be dispersed to new areas and become sources of infestation.

Beat the Heat & Care for Your Crops with:

and then distribute to other hosts. Their ability to deposit eggs on non-living surfaces like rocks, vehicles, and packages increases the risk of their accidental spread through materials shipped or vehicles moving from the infested areas. A recent modeling study identified California as a region highly suitable for the establishment of SLF.

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Scientists on the east coast and in California are currently working on biocontrol agents such as parasitic wasps (referred to as parasitoids) that attack SLF eggs and nymphs. If these parasitoids are specific to SLF and do not pose a risk to native insect populations or beneficial insects, they can be reared and mass-released for areawide control of the pest. There are certain chemical pesticides and biological pesticides based on entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana can be used to treat SLF infestations. However, the best strategy is to reduce the risk of its introduction and spread. As the SLF not only infests agriculturally important hosts, but also infests hosts in urban and landscape areas, both the agricultural community and

Continued on Page 40

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‘Considering the history of the spread of invasive pests from other areas to California, the presence of tree of heaven throughout California, and the importance of grape industry and others susceptible hosts to the California economy, it is important to be aware of this pest and strategies to mitigate its potential negative impact.’

Continued from Page 39 the general public should be vigilant and join hands to prevent its invasion and spread in California. When there is an areawide problem, collective actions have a major impact on addressing them. A few important points to note are: • Be aware of the pest and able to identify the eggs, nymphs, and adults. This link to a video provides an overview of the pest, its biology, damage, and

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control: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=45103-PFI4M. • Check vehicles and packages arriving from the infested regions in the United States for egg masses. • If found, immediately report to the local Agricultural Commissioner, University of California Cooperative Extension, or California Department of Food and Agriculture office.

May / June 2020

Useful Resources https://academic.oup.com/jipm/article/6/1/20/2936989 https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=15861 https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=26349 Comments about this article? We want to hear from you. Feel free to email us at article@jcsmarketinginc.com

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“We tried mating disruption on a limited basis in almonds last season. Once we deployed the CIDETRAK NOW, we did not catch another male moth in our traps for the rest of the season. This field had the lowest NOW damage of any field run samples we took, and we plan on increasing the acreage under mating disruption this year. It will become a key component of our NOW management moving forward.” — Steve Gruenwald, Grower’s Choice Crop Consulting “Monitoring continuously with pheromone/kairomone based traps, establishing and tracking degree days, checking canopies for damage and calculating the level of infestation is necessary season long for best results.” — Douglas Light, Ph.D., United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)/ Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Retired

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VINEYARD REVIEW

OUTSMARTING BIRDS IN VINEYARDS

Know Your Birds and Keep them Guessing By MARNI KATZ | Editor

here are a number of options for controlling—or at least limiting the damage of—birds in vineyards, but experts say the best defense is to build a strategy that includes multiple points of protection and mix it up.

The extent of bird damage within a vineyard depends on vineyard site location, varietal and other variables, as well as bird species. UCCE Viticulture Farm Advisor Glenn McGourty in Mendocino County said birds can be a particular problem on vineyards located along the edges of wildland areas. Particularly in

yards as fruit turns color and starts to ripen. In McCourty’s north coast winegrape region, early ripening red varieties such as Pinot Gris, Cielogiolo and Pinot Noir are among the favorites, he said. Birds feed around the clock during the day but are particularly voracious in the early morning.

Protecting the Crop

UC Cooperative Extension Wildlife Specialist Roger Baldwin said netting appears to be the most effective, and most expensive, option for controlling grapes in problem areas.

“Netting is used in areas where the those situations, the best protection is grower expects substantial grape loss in to create a barrier around the vines such the vineyard, and the crop is relatively as netting. He said woven polypropylhigh in value,” Baldwin said. ene netting works best in his region and experience. Another effective option is using birds of prey as a natural bird deterrent. BaldBirds begin to feed on grapes in vine-

win said preliminary research shows that falcons can prove to be a good deterrent and provide “fairly substantial reduction” in crop loss. “Falconry is a pretty effective tool but it too is pretty expensive. While it’s a little less expensive than netting, it also should be used in higher value cropping areas,” Baldwin said. McGourty agreed falcons can be effective in his high end vineyard area, particularly in larger vineyards. “Falcons work quite well, but are expensive, starting at about $20,000, so you need about 500 acres to make it pencil out,” McGourty said. While netting and falconry are two effective options for controlling birds, they can be cost-prohibitive for smaller or lower value vineyards.

Continued on Page 44 42

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VINEYARD REVIEW ease problems such as bunch rot from juices dripping on berries below. It is important to have someone who is experienced at identifying bird species looking at the damage and keep track of what is in the vineyard year to year, as with most pest issues, he said.

acoustics” to randomly produce calls of naturally occurring local dominant predator birds combined with resident pest bird distress and alarm calls. All sounds are customized to repel the specific birds within a particular vineyard. Since the species of pest birds can change during the season, each unit contains a changeable sound card that is customized to vineyard location and the type of pest bird in the vineyard.

“Bird Gard has been around for over Generally, Baldwin 30 years. In our early stages of develnoted, migratory birds opment, we learned pretty quickly are more susceptible that birds habituate to the same sound to frightening devices played over and over,” said Quay House finches tend to peck at berries and tear them open, which can because they typicalRicherson, California sales director for lead to secondary disease problems such as bunch rot from juices ly only loiter in one Bird Gard. “So, we developed a microdripping on berries below (photo courtesy UC Regents.) place for a week or two. processor within our circuit board that For more resident or randomizes the order in which sounds Continued from Page 42 semi-permanent popplayback, the frequency of the sounds, ulations, the UC IPM manual suggests and the intermittent time-off period. One lower-cost control is to put a combining visual devices such as mylar The keyword there is randomized. The human in the vineyards with a shotgun, strips, with auditory devices such as sounds have to keep changing all the but that comes with both regulatory propane cannons. The key to success time for it to have the effectiveness we and public/neighbor relations consider- is to mix things up so that birds don’t desire.” ations. Invasive pests, such as starlings become habituated to the hazing device, don’t require specific depredation perQuay said that to protect the crop as Baldwin said. mits, while most native and migratory sugars come on, growers should ensure species, including house finches and “Loud noises like propane cannons the Bird Bard units are operating two robins, will require permits through and shell crackers can be effective at weeks before veraison and run through state and federal wildlife agencies to deterring birds from a given area for a harvest. remove birds through shooting or short period of time,” he said. “What we trapping. generally recommend is growers would Baldwin said growers can usually get three to four weeks of protection with a mix and match some of these tools. Many growers rely on frightening destrategic program, so they should wait Maybe use propane canons for five to vices that use auditory or visual hazing, six days then when birds habituate, Continued on Page 46 such as propane cannons or electronic move to electronic sound transmitters. Visual devices such distress calls, then as reflective mylar streamers, scareincorporate visual eye balloons and even air dancers can hazing devices, and provide some benefit for brief periods so on. You can’t just of time. Baldwin said auditory devices put mylar streamers must also provide variety and target out there and think specific bird populations in the vineyou are going to solve yard to maintain their effectiveness. the problem, and you can’t just put propane Know Your Birds cannons and think Baldwin said an overall program should that will solve the take into account what type of birds are problem; you have to in the vineyard and the corresponding be smart.” damage, which will vary by species. Starlings can cause extensive damage, One auditory hazing for instance, plucking off and eating the device, Bird Gard, whole berry and damaging neighboring relies on what the berries with their feet. House finches Sisters, Ore.-based Starlings, an invasive bird common in many vineyard regions can tend to peck at berries and tear them company calls “biocause significant damage to grapes (photo courtesy UC Regents.) open, which can lead to secondary dis44

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May / June 2020

VINEYARD REVIEW

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Continued from Page 44 to put defenses out until close to when feeding begins to get control through harvest. The decision on when to start implementing bird strategies is largely site specific. Individual growers should look at the previous year’s bird damage and crop value to figure out if and when it is time to spend the money on bird control. “It’s best to begin before birds start coming and feeding in those fields, but you don’t want to begin too soon because each control measure will only last so long,” Baldwin said.

New Technologies

While some bird control measures are as old as farming, newer measures are looking at integrating technologies to outsmart one of grape production’s smart pests. New research is being done

on devices that create background noise that interferes with birds’ ability to communicate with each other. Feeding repellents are also in trial, though that technology is in its infancy. In addition, drone technology is also being researched. Dr. Page Klug, Supervisory Research Wildlife Biologist with the USDA National Wildlife Research Center at the North Dakota Field Station, has conducted evaluations of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) as a tool to protect agricultural crops from bird damage. UAS are known to elicit behavioral and physiological responses in wildlife and have been proposed as a means to protect crops from birds. Klug evaluated behavior responses of blackbirds to fixed wing and rotary wing drones on a number of platforms and hazing methods.

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The birds showed no response to the fixed wing UAS but did show a response to the rotary UAS and responses were more pronounced with lower altitude approaches. Klug concluded that the rotary UAS has the potential to modify bird behavior in a way that may reduce crop damage, but emphasized in her research that no studies have been done to assess potential effectiveness. Klug said that to be effective in protecting crops from blackbird depredation, modifications to the physical UAS might be needed. Modifications include the addition of an audio system to produce distress or alarm calls or firearm discharge sounds, adding lasers or lights or shapes that mimic an aerial predator. In addition, a fully automated UAS may be a more effective strategy. This modification could potentially reduce labor, Klug wrote, The UAS could also be programmed to fly patterns which would be most likely to deter birds. Environmental conditions also come into play with UAS use as low temperatures can affect battery packs. Klug noted that their evaluations were done with specific UAS models and other types of drones and responses by birds to approaching UAS can vary based on the specific platform and are likely species and context specific. While growers have access to a number of measures for controlling what can be one of a vineyard’s most perplexing pests, an effective program is not “set it and forget it” experts said. An effective program should be customized and managed according to each specific site, taking into consideration the bird pests present and the size and value of the vineyard and grapes.

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