Grapes

Over the past few years, harvesting of some Maryland and Eastern U.S. grapes has been complicated by the presence of Multicolored Asian Ladybeetles (MALB - Harmonia axyridis). The adult beetles can damage fruit in the field but most importantly, acts as a contaminant of the harvest, “fatally” tainting the wine made from the grapes.

The Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) is a small vinegar fly with the potential to damage many fruit crops, particularly thin-skinned fruit. SWD was first detected in the western United States in 2008 and has already become a major pest of many fruit and berry crops in Maryland, with potential to cause significant damage to grapes.

The Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) is a small vinegar fly with the potential to damage many fruit crops, especially thin-skinned fruit. SWD, or Drosophila suzukii, is native to eastern Asia. Most species of vinegar flies attack overripe or damaged fruit.

We experience many climatic vagaries in the Mid Atlantic. Hail damage may be the most devastating as it can quickly obliterate a season of meticulous management in the vineyard. Depending on the timing and intensity of the event, as well as canopy density and exposure, damage can range from random tears in leaf blades to defoliation, extensive shoot damage, and crop loss.

Although the Japanese beetle is rapidly moving to the top of the list in many areas of Maryland the grape berry moth (Paralobesia viteana; GBM) has typically been the most significant insect pest in the vineyard due to its direct and indirect damage to the berries and clusters.

Although it is generally accepted that grape and ultimate wine fruit quality is better in relatively “dry” seasons, it is clear that water STRESS or excessive drought is NOT desirable for balances of yields and wine quality. Excessive water is not desirable but adequate water to keep the plant systems active and productive is mandatory!

The goal of most grape growers is to produce the highest possible quality grapes for wine. For making the best wine, the highest quality grapes are typically the most mature and uniformly ripened. In today’s quality driven marketplace, the best fruit will command the greatest demand and the highest prices.

Experienced growers often say that they were caught by surprise that their crop was either much less than or much greater than they anticipated or their average. Many growers do not use a formal method of estimating their crop yield - what appears on the vine is what is harvested. An important role of running an efficient business is to know your inventory.

The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) has become a state-wide problem in Maryland and Mid-Atlantic vineyards, and its range and damage is increasing. The full impact on vineyards and wine quality potential of this newly introduced pest is unclear. TimelyVit BMSB Part 1 gives background on the pest and TimelyVit BMSB Part 2 addresses management options. This TimelyVit BMSB Part 3 discusses fruit damage and the latest research on juice and wine taint during harvest, processing, and fermentation. Again it must be emphasized that this is a new “introduced” pest and very little is currently known of its management, thresholds for management.

The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) has become a state-wide problem in Maryland vineyards, and its range and damage is increasing. The full impact on vineyards and wine quality potential of this newly introduced pest is unclear. TimelyVit — Part 1 — was created to give growers background on the pest and this TimelyVit will address some management options. Regretfully, it must be stressed that this is a new “introduced” pest and very little is currently known of its management, thresholds for management.