David Lock

I have a vine round 5 years old trailing along a wall. Covered in small grape bunches which are usually sweet by end September time.

Looks healthy enough but grapes have what seems like mildew or similar on them. What should I do?

I'd prefer a non-toxic spray so I can wash and eat them in a few weeks.

If you have a vine do you get masses of earwigs hiding in the grapes? Horrible little buggers

david

markjmd

iTrader: (11)

Is it powdery mildew or downy mildew? Both names are descriptive, but downy mostly affects the underside of the leaves, and powdery will be all over.

Maybe post up some pics.

dpb

Actually *in* the grapes ?

albob

look up ..... Botritis ....

David Lock

Thanks all you green fingers. I might try and get some piccies although I don't have a fancy digital.

I Googled Botrytis and that could be it. But I do have a tickly cough at the moment so I am pretty sure I have "Winegrowers Lung" (see Botrytis causing human problems!!).

So I'll be wearing a mask from now on..........

david

Leslie

Dont grapes get a "bloom" on them,like Sloe berries?

Les

David Lock

Sorry - best I can do.

There is a light coating on small bunches and some on leaves. It is worse at the "damp" end of the vine which is about 15 m wide with one end in partial shade.

david.

Leslie

See what you mean. I had assumed they were red grapes, not that that makes any difference.

It may be to do with the damp, hard to say. Needs an expert I think.

Les

DCI Gene Hunt

The effects of downy mildew on a grape leaf - is this similar?

dpb

Isnt it something to do eith the mildew that gives the grapes/wine the taste , or have i got that completly wrong

David Lock

Yes it is a bit like that although not as bad. I'll have to look at the piccie later as my screen is too bright at the moment - even with blinds down!


I don't know whether it's mildew but there are fungi like that that are used to give certain wines a distinctive characteristics. Some of the sweeter Sauternes IIRC. Bit like cheese making

David

Lee247

ooooh, look at them. Good job you don't live near me, I would have scoffed them by now

David Lock

And you'd be welcome to some Lee. But very bitter at the moment and won't be ready for several weeks I'm afraid. If they survive whatever they have! d

Leslie

You would have a face like that joke about the juice of three lemons Lee!

Les