Weed Control Newsletter

Table of Contents

WEED CONTROL IN VINEYARDS

Adequate weed control in vineyards is an important aspect in growing top quality grapes because weeds can compete with grapevines for water, nutrients, and light exposure. In the case of young vines, weed competition for water is especially important in dry growing seasons. Weeds can rob vines of achieving adequate growth and production of carbohydrates which ultimately will reduce vine size and bud fruitfulness.

Weed control in vineyards has two aspects: Under trellis weed control (a 30-36' strip of weed free soil around the vines) and row middle management. Both can be accomplished by mechanical cultivation, hoeing and hand weeding under the trellis and in the row middle. Cultivation methods are both labor intensive and expensive but are acceptable weed control options. Mulches have been used in grape production, but depend heavily on the availability of low cost mulching materials. In some cases mulches can bring hard to control weeds into the vineyard.

Chemical weed control is more commonly used in vineyards because it is less expensive than other methods and delivers effective weed control. Proper application is necessary to avoid injury to grapevines. This involves selecting the right herbicide(s) for the weed spectrum present in the vineyard, proper sprayer calibration, the age of the vines, the soil type, and time of application. Some herbicides are applied before weeds emerge (preemergence herbicides). Others are applied after weeds emerge (post emergence herbicides). We can assist you in developing a weed control strategy that will fit your vineyard weed issues and your budget. Contact us!