ENEMIES AT THE STAKES There are many pests and diseases that can attack and kill grape vines. Red spiders, moth grubs and various mites, bugs and beetles can all prey on the plant above ground. Most of these may be controlled with either sulfur sprays, or by newer "green" methods, such as introducing predacious insects and protective cover crops between vine rows.
Often the ends of vine rows are planted with a single rose bush. Insects, mildew and fungi seem to prefer the sweet smell of roses, which perform a "canary in a coal mine" function for grapevines, providing early warning of the need to treat for pests or diseases.
In climates with summer rainfall, molds such as oidium, mildew, white rot, grey rot (see box at left) and black rot may be prevented by regular sprayings of a solution of copper sulfate, slaked lime and water (Bordeaux mixture). Research is ongoing into biological methods of controlling these fungal problems.
New vineyards are particularly susceptible to destruction from gophers and moles. There are many methods of control and eradication, including attracting predatory raptors, trapping, poisoning, flooding and even a device that implodes burrows.
Deer, raccoons, possums and other mammals can consume a lot of fruit, damage more, and even harm the vines, especially young plants and shoots. Vineyard fencing usually serves to keep these larger animals at bay.