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[stevek]

Hi. I have an old grape vine trained across the roof of my conservatory the fruit of which we normally press for juice and pasteurise. Last year I lost the whole of what promised to be a bumper crop to botrytis . I determined to spray with Bordeaux mixture “as soon as the buds break. Of course, I didn’t do it 😕 the bunches are now at small pea size – plenty of space between and all looks well . My question is, us it ok to spray with Bordeaux now, in June?

 

[jeffrycope]

Hi stevek sure better late than never. Mid-July is when you have to start thinking strategically, even end of July is fine. What’s important is to leave a good two-three weeks at least before the harvest, ideally with a little rain in between to wash everything out. Treating now will definitely help protect your crop!

[stevek]

Thanks Jeffry. On it. Though a thorough wash before pressing will have to substitute for the rain, as the vine is trained inside the conservatory. Should I spray the whole vine, or just the bunches?

[murraylily]

Hi, last year I didn’t get to spray the grapes in time either and did it in July, mostly on the leaves, I didn’t touch the vine much.  😉

[jeffrycope]

@stevek I agree with @murraylily, though normally it’s safe to spray the fruits as well, instinct just says… stick to the leaves and stems!    

[stevek]

thanks both. Should be spraying today or Friday.

 

[jeffrycope]

So how’d it go? Notice any sign of botrytis? Hope not!

[stevek]

Didn’t actually get round to spraying until today. The vine and the developing fruit look fine! But the fruit doesn’t ripen until October so I will have to keep an eye out.

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