Agriculture: Grape Pest Management Guidelines

Budbreak

This year-round program section covers the major pests of table grapes grown in California. For wine and raisin grapes, see WINE AND RAISIN GRAPE YEAR-ROUND PROGRAM.

About Budbreak

What should you be doing during this time?

On a warm day (above 65°F), monitor trunks, cordons, and spurs for:

  • Mealybugs
  • Ants associated with mealybugs and European fruit lecanium scale
  • Overwintering spider mites (orange)
  • Cutworms

Keep records (example monitoring form PDF). Manage if needed according to the Pest Management Guidelines.

In San Joaquin Valley continue to check pheromone traps twice weekly for omnivorous leafroller, if biofix has not been reached.

  • Record biofix for the first moth (example monitoring form PDF).
  • Check traps weekly after biofix date is established.

Monitor for powdery mildew using the risk assessment index followed by visual inspections.

Treat if needed according to the Pest Management Guidelines.

If rainfall is predicted after budbreak, consider treating for phomopsis cane and leaf spot in sensitive varieties (Thompson Seedless, Redglobe).

Note locations of vines showing poor budbreak for future assessment of abiotic disorders or diseases.

Check sticky traps for glassy-winged sharpshooters. Keep records (example monitoring form PDF).

Survey weeds to plan a weed management strategy if not completed earlier in the season. If herbicides are to be used:

  • Record observations (example survey form PDF).
  • Make your selection based on weed survey observations.
Text Updated: 07/15
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