Grape fungus?

[bobbydole]

So I took over the care of some grapes from my mom, and grandma. I pruned them in late winter, and they seem to be doing really well. However when I went to check on them today I noticed some brown spots on them..

Any ideas what is causing this and what I could do to prevent from spreading?

 

[grapeman]

It looks like black rot. You need an effective spray program early in the season to prevent it. Left unchecked it will ruin the crop for the year. Mancozeb is an effective fungicide for it.

 

[HillPeople]

Some of the other listed fungicides for Black Rot are Revus Top, Rally, Mettle and Flint.
Here is an article on some alternatives if you want to limit exposure to some of the nastier chemicals:
http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/fruitpathology/organic/grape/organic.html

 

[bobbydole]

How do I got about applying it, use one of those hand pumps sprayers, and spray it all over the vine?

 

[grapeman]

Is there anyone4 local you can ask for pointers from on how to spray? It really is something that should be learned and practiced carefully and safely. Yes you need a sprayer of some type. You definitely don't want to be using any of the chemicals that HillPeople mentioned as they are pretty toxic and need to be applied with a field sprayer for safety.

 

[HillPeople]

Yes- thanks for emphasizing that Rich. I use organic controls whenever possible, and IMHO some of those fungicides should be taken off the market as they are highly toxic, poisonous or corrosive.
I didn't mention Serenade, which might be effective, but I think the jury might still be out on that.

Grapes are susceptible to disease and fungus and pests because vineyards are a monoculture, and wherever you establish monocultures you are essentially creating a feast- not only for yourself but hundreds of other organisms that want to eat it up.