Protect Grape Vines from Intruding Weeds

While cultivating one of California’s – and the nation’s – most important crops, grape growers must protect their vineyards from weed pressures that can reduce yield and affect overall vine vigor.

Weed management is an essential part of ensuring the highest yield and healthiest vines from year to year. These best practices, along with the help of a certified pest control adviser, can help growers eliminate costly weeds and safeguard profits.

Survey vineyards at least twice a year

Weeds, just like crops, have their own growing seasons, with some annual species dominating during the summer and others during the winter. The University of California, Davis, recommends surveying the vineyard for weeds at least twice a year, once in late winter and once in late spring or summer. In addition to seasonal checking, monitoring vineyards for weeds several times throughout the year can help identify all of the species that threaten the crops.

Consider pre-emergent sprays for prevention

Pre-emergent sprays enter the seeds of weeds and prevent their normal germination, neutralizing the threat before it breaches the surface of the orchard. Products such as Alion^® herbicide from Crop Science, a pre-emergent herbicide, provide a perfect complement to contact herbicides that treat existing problems.

Combat existing weeds

Once weeds begin to emerge, timing is essential to manage the threat. Controlling weeds becomes harder when they have been left untreated for part of the growing season. Inspect the vineyard after a pre-emergent treatment to find any weeds already established. If there are weeds that have broken the surface, treat immediately with a post-emergent herbicide.

Use the correct method for the soil

Weeds and the products used to treat them behave differently in various soil types. Always read and follow label instructions and use rates relevant to the specific vineyard to help get the most out of the treatments.

Consider planting a cover crop

According to the University of California, Davis, planting cover crops between rows of vines can reduce weed pressures by minimizing the areas in which the weeds can grow. Weeds have a hard time growing in areas where they have to compete for nutrients with recommended cover crops, such as wheat or barley.

Learn more about weed management and how a long-lasting, pre-emergent solution like Alion herbicide can help reduce yield loss and improve vine health.