Gardener's Question Time - Vine
 

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 :mad:

david

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.

Actually *in* the grapes ?

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

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" :D (see Botrytis causing human problems!!).

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

david

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

Les

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...et/Mildew1.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2.../Mildew2-1.jpg

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.

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

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...ticola_000.jpg

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

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

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 :D

David

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

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

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

Les :D