Dormancy

In the San Joaquin Valley, sample for nematodes from November to February.

Carry out preventative practices for trunk diseases:

• Use delayed pruning or double pruning in February or later.
• Use applications of pruning-wound protectants after pruning and before rain in November through January.

Carry out dormant-season sanitation activities.

• Destroy prunings of older infested wood to reduce pest sources.
• Remove dried grape clusters on vines and disc weeds and clusters where orange tortrix or omnivorous leafroller is a problem.
• In vineyards with a history of branch and twig borers, examine old pruning scars and dead parts of vines for brown frass and wood dust.
• If you have vine mealybug, steam sanitize equipment before moving to uninfested area of the vineyard.

Survey weeds to plan a weed management strategy.

• Pay close attention to weeds that may present a special problem or management challenge.
• Record your observations (example survey form PDF).
• Use records to make herbicide selections in vineyards where sprays are planned.