Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
damage. This varies greatly from one area to another, so local sources of information are
especially helpful when dealing with insects. Check with other local growers, your exten-
sion service, or local agriculture office for more information on insect pests specific to your
location.
Don't let insect pests catch you by surprise. Observe the vineyard on a regular basis so
that you can spot damage early. If possible, catch samples of suspect pests; sticky traps are
a useful tool. Put them at several points around the vineyard for the best sampling. As al-
ways, make sure you have correctly identified an insect pest before you treat it. Fortunately,
there are excellent online sources for pest identification. Among the best are UC Davis and
Cornell University.
Beneficial Insects
One of the best ways to control insect pests is by using natural predators. Get to know
these insects so that when you see them you are not tempted to squish or spray them. They
will help to keep your vineyard healthy. Cover crops, ground covers, and surrounding nat-
ive habitats will encourage these and other beneficials that are indigenous to your area. As
a bonus, you will also encourage bees that are helpful in pollinating the grapes.
I have planted a hedgerow along the side of my vineyard. It contains native plants
that flower all times of the year, and they attract beneficial insects like bees, hornets, and
spiders. I have noticed the local bee population thrives near my vineyard as a result of this
hedgerow.
Domestic fowl are another good source of insect control. Chickens and ducks will all
happily wander through the vineyard picking at insects in the ground. Geese are primar-
ily vegetarian, but they will often pick up slugs and snails, and they may help to deal with
weeds as well.
Organic Insecticides
Many gardeners and homeowners are in the habit of spraying every pest they see with
a chemical spray. As I have said before, I do not recommend this approach, and especially
not in the vineyard. First, most vineyard insects do not cause enough damage to affect your
crop. Second, I believe that you can control most insects through a combination of benefi-
cial insects, good vineyard sanitation, and patience. Still, there are times that you may be
obliged to treat an invasion of pests with an insecticide.
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